
Pass FiOU- 



BETHANY 



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Sketches and Records 



COMPILED AND PUBLISHED BY 

\A/v6ffeHARPE, SEYMOUR, CONN. 



RECOHD PRINT, SEYMOUR. 
1908. 



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PREFACE. 

This book is intended to put in convenient form for handy reference 
sketches, transcripts of records and otlier data which have been collected for 
some years and which seemed worthy to be embodied in book form. The 
writer is especially ii.debted to Wallace O. Humiston for assistance in the work. 
While errors may be found in the names and dates it should be remembered 
that most of them are probably in the original records, as any who have had 
experience in similar research knows that names are variously spelled at 
different times, and dates are not always correctly entered, as fur instance the 
writer has sometimes found on careful investigation that the date of a marriage 
license has been recorded in place of the date of a marriage, aud a date of burial 
Instead of death. 

The writer has collected largely of genealogical data of many Bethany 
families but is unable at present to devote the time necessary to carry them to 
such a degree of completion as would warrant their insertion here, and the 
work is therefore of necessity brought to a close. 



CONTENTS. 

Andrew family, 123. Deaths and Burials, 64. 94. 

Baptit^ms, 55. Downs Family. 115. 

Beecher-Wheeler homestead 99. Marriages, 49, 81. 

Births, 89. Methodisi Church, 33. 

Carrington family, 122. Representatives, 114. 

Christ Church, 25. Schools, 104. 

Church Bells, 46. The Hills of Bethany, a poem, 78. 

Congregational Church, 2. The Todd family, 85. 

Hotchkiss Family, 126. Lounsbury Family, 129. 

Doolittle Family, 132. ~ ~ 

ILLUSTRiTIONS. 
Floor Plan of first Cong'l Church, 5. Downs Street Schoolhouse, 105. 
Present Congregational Church, 22. Smith " 107. 

Interior of same, 23. Beecher " 109. 

Christ Church and Rectory, 27. Center " 110. 

Interior of Christ Church, 29, Gate " 111. 

Methodist Episcopal Church, 83. Cemetery near res. of A. G. Sperrj', 113. 

Perkins Hotel, two views, 43. 45. Original Downs homestead, 119. 

Carrington Cemetery, two views, 94,95. Portrait of Jerome A. Downs, 1st, 120. 
Center Cemetery, 97. Portrait of Jerome A. Downs, 2d, 121. 

Beecher-Wheeler homestead, 99. Portrait of Abram E. Carrington, 122. 



'/ 



THE FIRST ECCLESIASTICAL SOCIETY. 



Bethanj' was incorporated as a town in 
Msiy, 1832, but as an ecclesiastical sor-iety 
it has an honorable record which ante- 
dates the Revolution by twelve years and 
coiitribued liberally of men and means 
during that t>reat epoch of history. 

It was in May, 1762, tint a petition was 
presented to the General Assembly, siirned 
by "Joel Hotchkiss and others, inhabi- 
tants of the northern parts of the parish 
of Amity, in the town of New Haven, 
praying to be made a distinct ecclesiasti 
cal society with proper limits and bounds;" 
and a committee was appointed to liear 
the parties interested and to report at the 
next session of the General Assembly. 

At the October session ("on the second 
Thursday of October") a favorable report 
was made, and it was enacted that the 
"inhabitiints of the parish of Amity living 
north of an east and west line drawn from 
the south end of the widow Hannah Sper- 
ry's dwelling house, as prayed for in said 
memo'ial. shall be a distinct ecclesiasti- 
cal society, with all the privileges ami 
powers naturally belonging to such socie- 
ties in this Colony, and shall be called and 
known by tLe name of Bethany.'* 

The first- meeting of the new society 
was held Nov. 13, 1762. The record 
reads, "At a Lawful Society meeting of 
the inhabitants of bethany in newhaven 
and milford held at the schoolliouse in sd 
bethany," etc. 

Deacon Joel Hotchkiss was elected 
moderator, James Sherman cleik, and 
Timothy Peck, John White, Isaac Beecb- 
er, Daniel Toles and Joel Hotchkiss were 



chosen societies' committee. It was "vo- 
ted that the meetings shall begin on the 
second Sabbath in December and hold 
until the last in April." 

"Vo ed that a raight be laid of a penny 
halt-penny on the pound for defraying 
the charges of preaching the year ensuing " 

The next winter the meetings were to 
begin on the second Sabbath in November 
and application was made "unto the llev- 
erand Association for a minister to be set- 
tled among us." At the meeting of the 
Association of New Haven County, con- 
vened in Waterbury May 31st, 1763, Mr. 
Stephen Hawley was recommended. He 
was called on probation for the first Wed- 
nesday in June, 1763, for three months, 
and on the 3d Wednesday in August it 
was voted "to settle him in the work of 
ttie ministry amongst us," and to allow 
him 200 pounds settlement, "100 pounds 
the first year after he is first settled, one- 
half of settlement, and 50 pounds yearly 
the next two years, with 50 pounds salary 
a year the first three years, then 65 pounds 
a year." 

"On the Fecond Wednesday of Decem- 
ber, 1767, it was voted that it is necessary 
to build a meetinghouse." It was also 
voted to make it 50 ft. long and 40 ft. wide 
and a rate of four pence on the pound 
was laid to defray the expense, "the rate 
to be laid in flax seed or some other spec- 
she that will answer at New York." 

At a meeting of the society held on the 
last Wednesday of April, 1768, "it was 
voted that this society will make applyca- 
tion to the honourable general assembly 



BETHANY 



for the one bit purchis in milford bound 
that lyeth snuili of the top of beacon hill 
«nd also tor that part of Daiby that lyeth 
between bethauy and nawgetuck river to 
be annexed to sd. Bethany." The peti- 
tion was Granted at the January session of 
the General Assembly, 1769, in the fol- 
lowing words: 

"Resolved by this assembly, that the 
said lands belonging to the first society 
of Milford which lies noith of said Beth- 
any south line extending westward un il 
it came lo said Derby east line be, and 
they hereby are, annexed unto the said 
society of Bethauy and made part thereof." 

At a meeting in Decembei, 1768, it, was 
"voted that we will get timber this winter 
and set up the meetmghous next spring 
and cover it as last, as we conveniently 
can. Dea. Hotehkiss, Dea. White, Capt. 
Hitchcock, Capt. Lines, Mr. Jesse Brad- 
ley, Mr. Hez. Clark and Mr. Timothy 
Peck shall be a committee to carry on the 
building abovesaid." 

"Voted, that those that skoar timber 
for the meetinghous shall have two shil- 
ling and sixpence pr day." 

"Voted that those that hew shall have 
three shillings and sixpence pr day." 

"Voted that we will apply to the 
county court for a new committee to 
stait a plase for the me tinghous." 

The location finally decided upon was 
on the hill a little south of where the 
church now stands. There the church 
■was erected in 1769, and enclobed so 
that services v?ere held iu it, though not 
completed until some years later. 

"The sum total of Bethany' rate book 
in the year 1776 is 4:7524-8-1. Then take 
out ye Churchmen's list, and there re- 
mains on the list 6720:11:0, at 2d half pen- 
ny on ye pound makes 69:17:5, then take 
out one penny on New Haven side whicti 
makes 23:9:3; then remains on ye book 
46:8:2." 

Ensign Joel Hotoiikis, Collector. 



Timothj' Ball was one of the committee 
in 1766 and two years later is referred to 
as Lieut. Ball. The use of military terms 
had become more common in 1778 as 
shown in the record of tne choice of the 
society's committee, Capt. Ball, Capt. E. 
Sperry, Ensign Jacob Hotchkis<5. Jared 
Sherman and Ensign Joel Hotchkis. A 
rate of two pence on the pound was then 
voted. At this mee ing it was also "vo- 
ted j't ye Sotiety shall pay Mr. Hawley's 
Sallery in Provisions, Labor & other Spe- 
cies accordiu;; to ye first stateing of pro- 
visions by ye general assembly, wheet at 
3-6 & other things in Proportion, & those 
yt Doant pay in ye afforsd Species of Pro- 
visions &c., shall paj- monej- equivnlent." 

"Voted yt Deacon Peck, Capt. Ball & 
Ensign Jacob Hotehkiss should be a com- 
mittee to seat ye meetinghouse." 

"Voted yt ye Committee shall have re- 
gard to age & what each one has paid to 
ye building of sd house & according to 
their discression with all." 

A diagram of the church with names of 
pewholders as assigned ill 1791 has been 
preserved and from it the illustration giv- 
en herewith has been mnde. The original 
drawing is 13 3-16x18 inches, on hand 
made paper 15^xl8j, with two water- 
marks, one a crown over G R, (Georgius 
Rex) and the other the name Taylor. In 
it the pews are not numbered, the names 
beins; written in the space representing 
each pew, but in the reduced copy given 
herewith numbers have been inserted and 
the names are given below. 

1. Deacons. 

2. Widow Ruth Brisco, Lydia Peck, 
Hannah Sperry. 

3 and 4. No names given. 

5. Capt. Ezra Speiry, Mr. Daniel Tolles, 
Mr. John Thomas, Capt. Joel Hoteh- 
kiss, Widow Mary Ball. 

6. Mr. Roger Peck, Lieut. Medad Hoteh- 
kiss. Mr. Valentine Willmott, Widow 
Sarah Andrews. 



CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 







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BETHANY. 



7. Mr. Timothy Bronson, Mr. Benjamin 
llotcliiiiss, Mr. Eiam Sperry, Mr. Tim- 
othy Lounsbury, Jr., Mr. Jesse Terrel. 

8. Widow Hannah Beecher, Mr. Lam- 
berton ToUes, Mr. Timothy Ball, Mr. 
Jared Teles, Widow Perkins. 

9. Lieut. Jesse Beecher, Mr. Jared 
Beecher, Mr. Hi zekiah Beecher. 

10. Mr. Samuel Hotchkis^i, Mr. John 
Russell, Mr. Elias Hotchkiss, Mr. Eber 
Lines. 

11. Mr. Buckingham, Mr Hezekiah 
Johnson, Mr. Josepti Bishop, Mr. Eden 
Johnson. 

13. Ensign Jacob Hotchkiss, Mr. Heze- 
kiah Sperry, Mr. Naihaniel Tuttle, Mr. 
Joseph Hotcbkiss. 

13. Messrs. Ezekial Smith, Abraham 
Pain, Jacob Barnes, David Beers, Jona- 
than Sackett, Silas Nelson. 

14. Messrs. Stephen Lounsbury, Abtl 
Ives, Joseph Collins, Reuteu B'adley, 
Elihu Sanford, Joseph Woolcott, Ste, h- 
en Sanford. 

15. Messrs. Isaac Beecher, Valentine 
Willmott, Amos Hitchcock, John Lines, 
Sam'U Downs, Abijah Buckingham, 
John Wooding, Jonathan Atwater, Es- 
quire French. 

16. Rev. Steplien Hawley's fam'ly. 

17. Mr. Timothy Lounsbury, Mr David 
Thomas, Mr. Oliver Buckingham, Capi. 
Elijah Speriy. 

18. Cai t. Lazarus ToUes, David Sanford, 
John Alsop Talmadge, Mi. Amos At- 
water, Mr. Amasi Tuttle, Elihu San- 
ford, Jr. 

19. Mr. Reuben Sperry, Mr Lucas Lines, 
Widow Phebe Tirrel, Mr. Caleb Au- 
drus, Mr. Demas Sperry. 

20. Ensign Garshom Thomas, Mr. Amos 
Thomas, Mr. Ebenezer Hitchcock, Mr. 
Isaac Foot, Mr. John Nettleton, Mr. 
Isaac Sperry. 

21. Mr. Lemuel Ailing, Mr. Joel Collins, 
Mr. Joseph Hitchcock, Mr. David At- 
water, Mr. Medad Sperry, Mr. Joseph 



Collins, Mehetibal Sanford. 
23. Mr. Linus Lounsbury, Mr. Noah Ai- 
ling, Mr. Nathan Beer-, John Russell. 

23. Mr. Joel Hotchkiss, Jr., Mr. Joseph 
Downs, Mr. Felix Downs, Mr. Jonathan 
Sanford. 

24. Mr. Joel Wheeler, Mr. Isaac Hotch- 
kiss, Mr. Aaron Clark, Mr. Timothy 
Hitchcock, Widow Mary Brisco. 

35. Lieut. Abraham Tolles, Mr. Noah 
Thomas, Mr. Saml. Peck, Mr. Edward 
Wan en, Widow Sarah Nettleton. 

36. Mr. Justus Beecher, Mr. Wheler 
Beecher, Mr. Nathaniel Warren, Mr. 
Elias Lounsbury, Mr. John Tirrel, Mr. 
Thouia-* Kimbal. 

37. No names entered. 

28. Mr. Jonathan Smith, Mr. David Will- 
mott, Mr Walter Willmolt, Mr. Matthew 
Baldwin, Mr. William Hitchcock, Mr. 
David E. Hotdikiss. 

39. jMr. Ebenezer Lines, Mr. Uri Sperry, 
Mr. Amos Hitchcock Mr. Rot)eri Rus- 
sell, Mr. James I. Hotchkiss, Ml. Ben- 
jamin Collins. 

30 Mr. Jabez Hotchkiss, Mr. Abraham 
Hotchkis«i, Mr. Stephen Hotchkiss, Mr. 
Elmore Russel. 

31. Mr. Reuben Perkins, Mr. Phenihas 
Tirrel, Mr. Ezekiel Hotchkiss, Mr. John 
Thomas, Jr , Mr. Israei Perkins, Mr. 
William Andrew. 

33. Capl. Hiue, Capt. Thomas, Lieut. 
Atwater, Eliphalet Johnson. 

33 Mr. Daniel Beecher, Deacons' wive^, 
Capt. Sanford. 

34. Widow Anne Russell, Widow Re- 
beckah Hitchcock, Widow Sarah 
Downs 

We are told that the meetinghouse was 
partially surrounded by "Sabbath Day 
Houses" in which in cold weather tires 
were built on arrival in the morning. 
After the morning service all left the un- 
warmed church for these buildings, and 
ate their dinoers in the cheering warmth 
of the fires in the stone "fireplaces." 



THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 7 

The location, of the church had been made by a committee appointed bv the 
County Court. Difficulties seem to have arisen; a second applic ition to the Court 
was made in 1768, and a third in 1769 ; and at length in May, 1769, it was voted 
" that we are willing to build a meetinghouse at the last stake set by the Honorable 
County Court's Committee." On this question there were 29 in the affirmative and 
10 in the negative. A committee consisting of Isaac Beecher, Ensign Clark and 
Israel Thomas was appointed to purchase the land of Isaac Hotchkiss. 

Of the votes taken while the preparations for building were in progress 
some were recorded which illustrate some customs of the times. In Decem- 
ber, 1767, it was voted "that we will provide the boards, clapboards shingles, 
nails and glass necessary for building a meetinghouse the .year ensuirig " A tax 
was laid, and it was decided that one half might be paid "in flax seed, or some 
other species that will answer at New York." The Society fixed the prices to be 
paid for the different kinds of lumber. 

In December, 1768, a vote was passed, "that we will get timber this winter, 
and set up tbe meetinghouse as fast as we conveniently can." It was ordered 
" that those that score timber for the meetinghouse shall have two shilling-* and 
sixpence per day ; and those that hew shall have three shillings and sixpence per 
day." Deacon White and Deacon Hotchkiss were appointed "to cull the clap- 
boards and shingles for the meetinghouse." 

In March, 1769, it was voted "that this Society give free liberty for a belfry to 
be built on the meetinghouse ;" but this liberty was not then used. In .January, 
1770, the Society meeting was held in the meetinghouse for the first time. 

It was customary to appoint particular persons "to tune the psalm." In 1765, 
the choristers were Valentine Wilraot, Benajah Peck and Stephen Sanford. In 
1770, on entering the new church, a larger number received this appointment, viz : 
Isaac Baldwin, Joel Hotchkiss, Thomas Beecher, Auan Ives, Lazarus Tolles, 
Timothy Lounsbury, Nathaniel Tuttle and Nehemiah Tolles. At this time it was 
voted "that the choristers sit together near the foot of the pulpit stairs." 

In 1771 a committee was appointed "to give liberty to people to build pews 
in the meetinghouse, where they see cause." In 1773 a tax was laid "to color the 
meetinghouse and case the windows, and to provide boards for the inside of 
the house." In 1774 a vote was passed "that the meetinghouse be colored blue, 
and the windows white;" but soon a special meeting was called "for the purpose 
of altering the color of the meetinghouse;" and it was decided to color it white. 
In December, 1776 it was voted " to finish the lower part of the meetinghouse, and 
the front of the galleries." 

In 1777 Nathanael Tuttle, Isaac Baldwin, Daniel Tolles and Joel Hine were 
chosen "to tune the psalm, and sit in the fore seat in the front gallery." In 1778 
it was voted "that the Society shall pay Mr. Hawley's salary in provisions, labor, 
and other species, according to the first stating of provisions by the General As- 
sembly — wheat at six shillings, and other things in proportion ; and those that do 
not pay in the aforesaid species of provisions, »&c , shall pay money equivalent." 

At the same meeting a committee was appointed to seat the meetinghouse — 
viz : Deacon Peck, Capt. Ball, and Ensiijn Jacob Hotchkiss; and it was ordered 
that " the committee shall have regard to age, and what each one has paid to the 
building of said liouse, and according to their discretion with all." In December, 



8 BETHANY. 

1779, a vote was passed "that the committee shall lay out the overplus money of 
finishing the meetinghouse, on the steps and other ways as they think best." 

Thus, at the end of ten years from its raising, the house seems to have been 
considered finished. In 1791 the Society voted " to take up three seats in the 
square body, and build pews on each side of the broad alley." In 1792 it was re- 
solved "That the Society may build a steeple to the meetinghouse, if they can 
get monej' enough signed to build said steeple." But the steeple and bell were not 
added until 1803. 

There were three entrances, north, south and east, the latter being the prin- 
cipal one and facing the street and opening into the central aisle. It will be noticed 
that the large pews had seats on four sides, except only at the place of entrance, 
so that some, it is said the children, sat with their backs to the minister. There 
were doors to each pew, as was common until within half a century. 

Most of the old churches were not lathed or plastered, but we are told that 
this was the exception to the rule, but as churches were not warmed in those days, 
it was cold in winter, and even with the "Sabbaday houses" and their cheerful 
warmth to resort to before and after service, it must have often been a great trial 
to endure the cold during the services, notwithstanding the relief to some by 
means of box frames lined with perforated tin, which were filled with live coals 
from the fires in the Sabbaday houses and carried into the church for foot warmers. 

The pulpit was very high, so that the minister could have a fair view of the 
galleries which extended across three sides of the church and were reached by 
stairways in the northeast and southeast corners of the church. 

The "meetinghouse" of a century ago was often the only place in town suitable 
for a town meeting, and it was not thought inappropriate to hold within its walls 
the yearly meeting to arrange town affairs for the ensuing twelve months. 

It is interesting to note that there were paid singers a hundred years ago, as 
we find under date of 1793 an entry of £2 paid Isaac Foot for singing, as well as 
£l:5s to Eber Lines for sweeping the meetinghouse. 



THE CONGREGATIONAL SOCIETY. 

BY W. D, HUMISTON, 



Two centuries ago bat very few set- 
tlers had sought homes in the vast and 
almost trackless forest wiiich prevailed 
in the northern part of New Haven, and 
whatnowcomprisesthetownof Bethany. 
A few, however, had built rude cabins 
on the Mattatuck Turnpike, Straits 
Highway and Downs Street at base of 
Mad Mare's Hill. These localities are 
still sometimes called by the names 
which the early settlers gave them. 

The first settlers found themselves 
far from any place of public worship, 
yet every Sabbath found them wend- 
ing their way fully armed against the 
dusky savages, who might lurk in the 
deep recesses of the forest, to the meet- 
inghouse on New Ha^-en green. 

A few years later Amity Parish was 
incorporated, and for over twenty years 
the inhabitants of the present towns of 
Bethany and Woodbridge formed but 
one ecclesiastical society. On the 
Lord's Day and on other occasions our 
fathers, the hardy pioneers of this for- 
est town, assembled at the meeting- 
bouse of the parish of Amity and offer- 
ed up their devotions as a united body. 
For seven or eight miles in all direc- 
tions thse men of God descended from 
the breezy, life-giving hills, to the tem 
pie down in the valley, to pay this debt 
of duty to the Supreme Ruler of the 
Universe. Their atfections during these 
years entwined themselves around the 
old sanctuary. They loved their kind 
pastor. Rev. Mr. Woodbridge, and 
the great inconvenience of the remote 
parts of their parish could scarcely in- 



duce them to think of forming a new 
society aijd forming new church rela- 
tions. 

But at length the time came when it 
seemed necessary to many to separate 
from the old society and attempt the 
formation of a new one. And accord- 
ingly a memorial was sent to the May 
session of the General Assembly in 
1762. A committee was appointed to 
view the circumstances and report. 
This committee, having attended to the 
duties of their appointment, reported 
favorably and a distinct ecclesiastical 
society was incorporated and named 
Bethany. The following is a copy of 
the original charter: 

"Bethany made a Distinct Eoclesias- 
TioAL AND Civil Sooiett, similar to 
other Parishes in the Colony, by the 
General Assembly of the Colony of 
conneotiout." 



"At a General Assembly of the Col- 
ny of Connecticut, held at New Haven, 
on the second Thursday of October, A. 
D. 1763, upon the memorial of Joel 
Hotchkiss and others, the Inhabitants 
of the Parish of Amity, living north of 
an east and west line drawn from the 
dwelling house of the Widow Hannah 
Sperry, 

Preferred to this Assembly at their 
sessions in May last; representing the 
inconveniences they are under in attend- 
ing the public worship, &c., and pray- 
ing for said Privileges; a Committee 
was granted, &c., which Committee 
having made report to this Assembly 



lO 



BETHANY 



of their Opinion, that said Memorialists 
and Inhabitants dwelling noi th of said 
east and west line should be made a So- 
ciety, Ate, which ivport being accepted 
by this Assembly, 

"Thereupon it is enacted and order- 
ed, That said Inhabitants of the Parish 
of Amity, living north of an east and 
west line drawn from south end of the 
Widow Hannah Sperry's dwelling 
House, as prayed for in said Memorial, 
shall be and they are hereby made a 
distinct Ecclesiastial Society, with all 
the Privileges and Powers usually be 
longing to such Societies in this Col- 
ony, and shall be called and 

known by the name of Bethany, 

A true copy examined. 

"By George Wyllie, Secretary." 

The parish of Bethany is one of the 
oldest in tiiis vicin:ty, and at the time 
of its incorporation was bounded on 
the north by the parish of Waterbury, 
west by Oxford and Derbv, south by 
Amity and east by North Haven. The 
society began at once to exercise its 
power by levying a tax "at a penny 
halfpenny for defiayiog the charges of 
preaching the year ensewing." The 
parsonage lands lying in Bethany, hav- 
ing been sold by Amity, action was ta 
ken at once to recover them. A com- 
mitt'^e was appointed to receive from 
the A nity committee the bonds for 
"the three publick lots that they have 
sold in s'd Bethany and which was a 
parsonage f<ir s'd Society." 

The church now deemed it necessary 
to settle a suitable minister over the 
parish, and accordingly, on April 20, 
1763, Deacon Joel Hotchkiss and Tim- 
thy Peck were appointed to confer 
with the Reveiend Association in order 
to obtain their advice concerning a 
candidate. At a meeting of tliis asso- 
cirtion convened at Waterbury Ste- 
phen Hawley was strongly recommend- 
ed to the Society. Isaac Beecher and 



Samuel Downs were appointed to be a 
Com", to apply unto Mr. Stephen Haw- 
ley to call him upon thiee months' pro- 
bation in order for settlement." Two 
hundred pounds settlement was voted. 
This was to be paid in thres years; one 
huodied pounds the first year and fifty 
the two remaining years. Mr. Hawley 
was to leceive fifty pounds salary the 
first year, and this was to increase with 
the parish lists to seventvfive. On 
being informed of these votes, the Rev. 
Stephen Hawley gent this reply: 
"To the people of Bethany: 

"Hoping that love and unaaimity 
and the grace of our common Lord 
Jesus Christ may be multiplied among 
you, I have taken into consideration 
your public votes and desires that I 
would settle among you in the arduous 
emuloyment of the gospell ministry, 
and also the settlement you have offer 
ed me, together with the salary for my 
yearly raairitainance, and I think that 
what you have done for me is both 
generous and honorable, and I return 
my hearty thanks for your Christian 
good will. I firmly rely upon it that 
you will not set* me in indigent circum- 
stances aud turn off your bowels of 
tenderness and relief. I depend upon 
it that you will conduct towards me 
as an embassador and servant of Christ, 
and yet as a treasure in an earthern 
vessel and subject to many infirmities. 

"Upon these conditions I accept of 
your propositions, and am willing to 
settle among you unless something 
very material happens before the ordi- 
nation. 

"May the God of Truth guide our 
hearts into all truth, and by the grace 
of God may we so behave as that our 
neighbor societys may see how beauti- 
ful it is to dwell together in unity. 

"Stephen Hawley. 

"Bethany, Sept. 12, 1763." 



The ordination of Rev. Stephen Haw- 
ley took place on Oct. 12, 1663. The 
ordination services were performed in 
a field about one mile south of the 
present church, near the first Bethany 
meeting house, a small building erect- 
ed on the corner opposite the home of 
William Smith, for public worship, but 
never entirely finished. Several min 
isters of other parishes were present, 
among whom was the Rev. Dr. Trum 
bull of North Haven, the famous histo- 
rian of Connecticut. 

In the early days of which we are 
speaking the singing was done in the 
following manner: A person was ap 
pointed to act as chorister or "to set the 
psalm," who selected and "pitched" the 
tunes; then a line or two was read off, 
when the whole congregation joined in 
singing them, and thus proceeding al- 
ternately to read and sing the lines un- 
til the whole psalm had been sung. By 
an action taken by the society Valen 
tine Willmott and Stephen Sanford 
were appointed to tune the psalm. 

During the early history of the 
churcii rates were levied repeatedly 
through the year, sometimes being as 
heavy as two shillings on the pound. 
These taxes might be paid in provis 
ions, however, if the people so wished. 

A word might be inserted here con 
cerning the records of the society. Of 
the three earliest records dating from 
1762 but two are now extant, the bank 
book aud the record of the society 
meetings. The third, a record of births, 
baptisms, marriages and deaths in the 
society for a long period, of prime im 
portance to genealogists, is unfortun- 
ately missing. The prominent sur 
names that appear in the early record? 
are given below: 

Ailing, Andrew, Andrews, Atwater, 
Baldwin, Ball, Barnes, Beecher, Beers, 
Bishop, Bradley, Brisco, Brown, Buck- 
ingham, CarringtoD, Clark, Collins, 



CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 1 1 

Downs, French, Foot, Grinnel, Hine, 
Hitchcock, Hooker, Hotchkiss, Ives, 
Johnson, Kimball, Lines, Lounsbury, 
Nelson, Nettleton, Pain, Peck, Perkins, 
Russell, Sackett. Sanford, Sherman, 
Smith. Sperry, Talmadge. Terrel, 
Thomas, Todd, Tolles, Turner, Tuttle, 
Warren, Wheeler, Wilmott, White, 
Wolcott and Wooding. 

In 1756 it was found necessary to 
build a larger meeting house to accom- 
modate the increasing congregation, 
and application was made to the Coun- 
ty court for a committee to look over 
their situation and choose a site. 
Much diCBculty was experienced in 
choosing a suitable situation, and three 
committees were elected before a loca- 
tion could be agreed upon, and even 
then ten members opposed. The site 
was located on the north side of the 
road leading over the hill from the 
turnpike near the residence of James 
Cotter. The meadow on which James 
Cotter's carriage house now sta:Dds was 
the meeting house green, the church 
being on the western side. On the 
north was the mansion of Dr. Hezekiab 
Hooker, aud the south and east sides 
respectively the residences of Rev, Ste- 
phen Hawley and Capt. Ebenezer Day- 
ton. 

Capt. Dayton's residence, of revolu- 
tionary fame, is now the only one re- 
maining, although the Buckinghaim 
place is built on Rev, Stephen Haw- 
ley's cellar. The cellar place of Dr. 
Hooker's mansion is still visible. 

It was voted that the meetinghouse 
should be fiftyfive feet in length and 
forty in width, and that material for 
building it should be furnished during 
the ensuing year. "Dear Hotchkiss, 
Dea. White, Capt. Hitchcock, Capt. 
Lines, Mr. Jesse Bradley, Mr. Hez. 
Clark and Mr. Timothy Peck" were 
appointed "a committee to carry on 
the building above said. Timothy Ball 



12 



BETHANY 



and Isaac Beecher were soon afterward 
added to this number. Application 
was made to the General Assembly to 
enlarge the parish by annexing the 
tract of land belonging to the town of 
Milford "which lyeth south of the top 
of beacon hill, and also for that part 
of Derby that lyeth between bethany 
and nawgetuck river." The exterior 
of the meeting house was completed in 
1769, and services were held in it at 
this time, although the interior was not 
entirely finished until several years 
afterward. 

The society now had a church edifice 
of which they might be jnstly proud, 
since it was one of the largest and 
most expensive in the region and con- 
sidi ibly larger than either of the 
churches now at the Center, Besides 
the galleries and choir loft, it contain- 
ed nearly thirty large square pews, ar- 
ranged in two central "square bodies," 
and \v a row about the sides, with the 
exception of spaces reserved for the 
pulpit Imd the three entrances. The 
pulpit was on the western side of the 
church and was reached by a number 
of steps. The whole was surmounted 
by a huge green sounding board." Be- 
neath the pulpit was a long seat on 
which the deacons sat facing the con- 
gregation. The tall white spire of 
Bethany meeting house was one of the 
most conspicuous objects that met the 
sailor's eye as he entered New Haveu 
harbor. 

In 1783 the parishes of Bethany and 
Amity united their efforts in trying to 
secure town privileges, but they could 
not agree at to the location of the town 
house. After Bethany had made many 
proposals, none of which were accepted 
by Amity, it was decided to petition 
the General Assembly to be made into 
a separate town, but Amity coming to 
terms, the two parishes were incorpo- 
rated under the name of Woodbiidge. 



Similar attempts were made in 1802 
and 1804 to have the parish incorporat- 
ed a town, and at last successfully in 
1832. 

The ringing of curfew was observed 
in Bethany long after it had become ob- 
solete in other parts of the country. 
The old meeting house bell was rang 
here until the early part of last centu- 
ry at nine o'clock in the evening, Sun- 
days included. It was a signal for the 
inhabitants to cover their fires and re- 
tire for the night. 

Rev. Stephen Hawley died July 17, 
1804, in the fortyfirst year of ministry 
and the sixtysixth of his life. For a 
short period preceding his death he 
was unable to perform all the duties of 
his pastoral office. 

He was an intelligent and honest 
preacher, exemplary and faithful in all 
the relations and duties of life. He was 
twice married and had, it is believed, 
several children whose names are now 
unknown, with the exception of Spen- 
cer, who died in 1803. Mary Bellamy, 
his first wife, died in 1791, and his wid- 
ow, Mehetable Hotchkiss, November, 
1827. aged 66. The aged pastor was 
buried in the old cemetery and there 
reposes, surrounded by his family and 
a numerous congregation, slumbering, 
and many of whom he himself, while 
living, hail followed to the grave. As 
in life he was ever united to his peo 
pie, so in death they are not divided. 

At this point <n th« ecclesiastical his- 
tory of our town it would be well to 
glance back on the difficulties which 
surrounded the lives of the early fath 
ersinthe church. Many of them, be- 
fore coming to this wilderness, had 
comfortable estates on the other side 
of the sen, but they came .'or con- 
science sake and made light of their 
privations. 

It was their aim, in establishing the 
many towns, to erect churches in 



CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 



13 



strict accordance to Scriptural example 
and to transmit civil and religious lib- 
erty to their posterity. All their acts 
and designs tended to the accomplish- 
ment of this grand purpose, and there- 
fore all persons were obliged to con- 
tribute to the support of the church 
and ministry. All must attend the 
public worship. The Congregational 
mode of worship was adopted and es 
tablished by law, but all orthodox per- 
sons d:ssenting could, upon application 
to the General Court, worship in their 
own manner. Such persons, however, 
were beheld with distrust. Our fathers, 
who desired religious freedom and per 
iled all for it, probably had not antic- 
ipated that they would speedily be 
called upon to extend the toleration to 
others for which they had vainly 
sought in the mother country, and at 
first they viewed with alarm any de- 
parture from the established discipline 
or doctrine, yet they had the germ of 
toleration and developed with more ra 
pidity.it is believed, than anyotherchris- 
tian sect can show. In early times the in- 
fluence of the clergy was much greater 
than at present. The majority of them 
were wealthy and could help their pa- 
rishioners out of their financial difficul- 
ties. They also were the most highly 
educated and possessed a large amount 
of the literature of the colony. They 
prepared the young men for college 
and afterwaids assisted them in thf^ir 
studies, and in return the people 
loved and respected them. 

The Puritan Sabbath began, accord- 
ing to Scriptural injunction, at sunset 
Saturday, the "day of preparation," 
and all unnecesaiy work was laid aside. 
At the sound of the meeting-house bell 
on the Lord's Day the industiious in- 
habitants prepared for the journey to 
the house of God, on foot 01 horseback 
as their means allowed. The huge old 
meeting house was built upon the high- 



est hill at the intersection of roads 
leading to various parts of the parish 
and as near the geographical center as 
possible. But the people went up to 
the sanctuary though bitter storms 
were in the air and the wild wind 
howled drearily about the bleak hill. 
At that time the possibility of heating 
the meeting-house by stoves or fire- 
places had never entered the minds of 
men, and hence the only heat was de- 
rived from the small foot stoves which 
the wealthier matrons cairied with 
them. No matter how severe the 
weather, the worshipper, who perhaps 
had waded three or four miles through 
roads drifted with deep snow, sat with 
heroic fortitude for an hour and a half, 
and then at intermission repaired to 
the glowing fires of the parsonage or 
union schoolhouse, which was rented 
for that purpose. Then another hour 
and half in the warm meeting-house 
completed the service of the day, and 
they were dismissed to the long, cold 
ride home. The remaining hours of the 
Sabbath were spent in the employments 
appropriate to the conclusion of the 
day of rest. But the early settlers of 
long since departed and several gene- 
rations sleep with them. It is to be 
feaied that many of their valuable cus- 
toms and precepts have departed with 
them. 

For a short period during the last 
year of his ministry Rev. Stephen 
Hawley's health did not permit him to 
discharge all his pastoral duties, and 
the society found it necessary to install 
A colleague with him in tlie person of 
Mr. Isaac Jones. Rev. Isaac Jones was 
ordained June G, 1804. For many reas- 
ons he was disliked by many of his 
congregation, and a wide breach was 
opened between the two factious. Rev. 
Isaac Janes' actions intensified this 
feeling, and at last it was determined 
to dissolve his pastoral relation with 



14 



BETHANY 



the church. The church met many 
times in order to adjust the difficulty, 
and finally, after a long debaite, the 
controversy was brought nearly to a 
close. Before the conclusion of the 
meeting Col. Joel Hine, the leader of 
those ill favor of Isaac Jones, said, 
"Now do you not think you ought to 
make some recantation for what you 
have said to our party?" David Thom 
as replied, "No; we think that you 
ought to acknowledge to us for what 
you have done." Silence ensued for a 
few minutes, and then both parties 
quietly departed and never met again 
for the same purpose. Soon after 
Rev. Isaac Jones was deprived of 
bis office by a Council met for this 
purpose. With about sixty others 
including the deacons, Phenehas 
Terrel and Hezekiah Beecher, he 
"signed off" and united with the Epis- 
copal church, a small body which had 
been organized a few years previously. 

That this sad event did not effect the 
ruin of the church is due, perhaps, to 
the spirit of determination to overcome 
great obstacles which have everywhere 
characterized the descendants of the 
Puritans. It deprived the church of 
nearly or quite one half of its members, 
but in the following year a large fund 
of several thousand dollars for the sup- 
port of the ministry was raised by sub- 
scription among the remaining mem- 
bers of the society and added to a fund 
which had been willed to the church 
many years before. Donations have 
been received from time to time until 
the fund is now nearly double the orig- 
inal amount. 

Shortly after the deposition of Isaac 
Jones Nathaniel G. Huntington was or- 
dained third pastor, in which office he 
continued until 1823. when his health 
obliged him to resign much to the re- 
gret of the parishioners. 

Previous to 1834 no stoves were used 



in the meeting-house, but by the aid of 
warm clothing, foot-stoves and a glow- 
ing fire at the parsonage and union 
schoolhouse at intermission, the con- 
gregation seemed unaware of the cold 
weather. Id 1824, however, stoves were 
placed ID the church. 

By means of a General Conference 
convened in this parish, Jan. 17, 1829, a 
revival occurred and thirtytwo mem 
bers were added to the church, twenty- 
five of whom were received in one day, 
probably the largest number on one 
occasion since the formation of the so- 
ciety. 

Preparations for building the present 
church edifice were begun by the soci- 
ety in 1830. John Thomas, Silas Hotch- 
kiss, Eiihu Sanford, Lewis Thomas, 
Lewis Hine and Hiaam Hotchkiss were 
appointed a building committee, with 
the liberty to pull down the old meet- 
ing house and to sell the green. From 
tne proceeds of this sale and by sub- 
scription the present church was built 
in 1831 according to plans submitted by 
Ira Atwater, of New Haven. 

Extensive repairs wore made on the 
church in 1851, and a new bell pur- 
chased partly by subscription. The old 
parsonage was sold and the house now 
occupied by F. A. Perry was purchased 
and used by the society for a parson- 
age many years. The church was 
again repaired a few years later and 
the wide portico which extended across 
the church was enclosed in order to en- 
large the vestibule. 

The centennial of the church was 
celebrated Oct. 12, 1862, near the site of 
the first meeting house. Many clergy- 
men and a great concourse of people 
from various parts of the state attend- 
ed this celebration. Rev. Dr. Elwood, 
who was then pastor, conducted the 
services, consisting of speaking, sing- 
ing, etc. The assembly then proceed- 
ed to the old cemetery and there wit- 



CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 



15 



nessed the erection of a tombtone in 

memory of Rev. Stephen Hawley, 

whose grave had remained unmarked 

for nearly sixty years. The stone 

bears the following inscription: 

REV. STEPHEN HAWLEY, 

FIRST MINISTER OF 

BETHANY. 

PASTOR FORTY YEARS. 

Ordained Oct. 13, 1763. 

Died July 17, 1804, 

^E.66. 

A few years since an academy was 

conducted by Rev. W. L. Woodruff in 

a large hall which was formerly at 

tached to the residence of F. A. Perry, 

Perry's Hall was built to serve as the 

gymnasium for the numerous students. 

Rev. W. L. Woodruff was ordained 

and installed pastor over the church 

April o, 1876. In many ways he was 

unfit for the holy calling,and two years 

after ordination a council was called 

and the pastoral relation dissolved. 

The following is a list of the persons 
who have held the office of deacon as 
complete as the records show. Their 



names appear as far as far as possible 
in the order in which they were ap- 
pointed: Joel Hotchkiss, John White, 
Benajah Peck, Peter Perkins, Phene- 
has Terrel, Hezekiah Beecher, Jabez 
H tchcock, Jesse Bradley, Theophilus 
Smith, Clark Hotchkiss, David A. 
Lounsbury, Edwin N. Clark, Thomas 
Horsefall and Clifton D. Rosha. 

The pulpit is at present supplied by 
Rev. Mr. Case of New Haven. He is an 
earnest and thrilling speaker, and his 
efforts are appreciated by his parish- 
ioners. 

Thus we have traced the principal 
vicissitudes of this part of the "church 
universal down the stream of time for 
over one hundred and forty years. At 
times, ever since its incorporation, the 
storm and whirlwind have passed over 
it, but by the kindness of Providence 
it still stands secure and prosperous, 
notwithstanding the marked decrease 
in the population of Bethany for the 
last few decades among its younger 
sister churches of the various denomi- 
nations. 



17 



SKETCH BY REV. H. W. JOHNSON. 



The following- historical sketch, by Rev. H. W. Johnson, published in the Seymour Record 
Nov. 19, 1896. gives so good a view of the church usages in the olden time, and so many details 
not before given in the other sketches and compilation, that so much of it is given as is not in- 
cluded in the preceding pages. 

There was no preaching here until 1763. There was no meeting house, and as 
yet no town house. Services were held in the sehoolhouse, built 1750, the first 
one erected in Bethany. * * * 

The period of Mr. Hawley's ministry may be said to be the most flourishing and 
prosperous in the history of the church. It was the period that saw the largest 
number of influential men. Prominent names were Timothy Peck, Joel Hotch- 
kiss, John White, Isaac Beecher and Daniel Tolles. In piety it was also thorough, 
even austere, and every action was characterized by fervor and zeal. Religion was 
pure and hearty. It was a period of strong, intense faith, of firm, unshaken trust, 
as seen by their persistence during the stress of the Revolutionary War and the 
years following; but also of good works There was a jealous care for the things 
of God, a stern regard for the purity of the church, but also a tender solicitude for 
one another. The young of the parish were cared for and any delinquent was 
quickly dealt with. Through the severe trial of the Revolutionary days the faith 
remained strong and unshaken, and in the face of great hardships they persisted in 
tlie work of keeping up preaching and church institutions. During this time the 
church had paid singers. E.xpenses were met like modern town expenses by a 
property rate. 

The first church edifice, used for many years until the present building was 
occupied, stood upon the hi^h hill, ju~t above the house where Mr. James Cotter 
now lives, and wms visible for miles arounil, in almost all directions. It was one 
of the first landmarks seen by the sailors entering New Haven harbor. It was a 
rectangular structure, 40x50 feet, with high pulpit, and with benches just beneath 
the desk for the leading men singers who had places assigned them. The diagram 
showing I he seating arrangements and the assignments is still preserved. About 
175 persons were given seats, a-< many as six or .seven in a square pew, showng 
that at the time the audiences were large. It was voted that a tax of four pence on 
the pound, payable in flaxseed or other specie, acceptable in New York, should be 
levied. The first meeting was held in it in 1770. It was voted that Isaac Balding, 
Joel Hotchkiss, Thomas Beecher, etc., should tune the P.salm and that the above 
choristers .should sit together near the foot of the pulpit stairs. . 

The War of the Revolution made exacting drafts up ni the young society. At 
this time we find the titles Capt , Lieut., Ensign, prefixed to the names of the prom- 
inent leaders, and that year (1775) it was voted to pay the salary of Stephen Haw- 
ley in provisions, labor, or money if wished, the price of wheat being the standard. 



IS THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 

Later 25 cords of wood was paid as part of his salary. In 1803, being advanced in 
years, a committee wa'^ appointed to visit Mr. Hawley and learn on what condi- 
tions he would consent to retire. Arriving at terms they secured as their next pastor 
Rev. Isaac Jones, A. M., evidently a young man of promise and ability as gleaned 
from his sermons at that time. His first sermon after ordination is in print, as also 
his farewell sermon, preached two j^ears later, in 1806, when a division arising in 
the church, he was deposed. The records contain no statement as to the cause of 
the difficulty or the charges preferred against him. The matter was of such dimen- 
sions that the Consociation was appealed to to settle it. Charges were made by 
one Medad Hotchkiss and as the result Mr. Jones was obliged to leaye the parish 
and with mauj^ others joined the Episcopal church. 

Tradition has it that certain of the older members and deacons undertook to 
advise the young man in matrimonial matters, who, rejecting their counsels^ 
married the person of his choice, a Miss Thomas, and brought upon himself their 
ill wishes which continued to work against him, leading to opposition of his labors 
and this resulted finally in his deposal 

In 1808 about 61 members withdrew. There had been a growing dift'erence in 
religious opinions, other views than those held by the orthodox or Presbyterian 
church, as this church was then called, and disrupting tendencies began to appear. 
Those who left joined the Methodist, the Baptist or the Episcopal churches, the 
latter getting the larger number. 

About this time effort was made to raise the amount in the church bank as it 
was called, to f 5,000, and a subscription was started, the name of John Thomas head- 
ing the list with $750, and Elihu Sanford following with $350, others with amounts 
from $25 to $200, making it considerably above the amount set as the goal at the 
start. From certain references the church bank had existed for many years. In 
1791 the amount in the bank was £430 98. 7d. It was increased in 1809. 

The old meetinghouse having become unserviceable, the matter of building a 
new one was agitated and finally it was voted to appoint a committee to sell the 
property known as the old green and add it to amounts raised for the new building. 
It was not until 1832 that the present building was put up. In 1866 it was re- 
modeled at a cost of $2,500, and again in 1885 further repairs were made at an out- 
lay of $500. 

The parsonage for many years was a house not far from the corner to the 
riglit of the present church, but in 1850 it was exchanged for the property nearer 
the church, the society paying $1,600 as the difference in value and also assuming a 
mortgage for $600, a total of about $2,225. 

There have been, if I have studied the records aright, four sets of deacons. 
The first deacons were Joel Hotchkiss and John White, who continued long in 
office and were strong pillars in the early church. These were followed by Dea. 
Jesse Bradley and Dea. Jabez Hitchcock. These were succeeded by Deacons Clark 
Hotchkiss and Theop. Smith antl they by the present incumbents. Mr. Oliver 
Nettleton was clerk when the church records were first kept. After him we have 
Clark Hotchkiss and Theophilus Smith. 

Faithful in the discharge of all duties, whether town or church, was Mr. Na- 
than Clark, who for years presided at the church organ, sustaining the musical 
department of the church efficiently and well. 



BETHANY 19 

Of the familiar figures of last geuerntion none were more closely identified 
with every movenieHt iti the church and few remembered with more affection as 
none were he'd in mo e reverence than Dea. Claik Ho'chkiss and Dea. Theophilus 
Smith. Elected deacon in 182!) at the age of 85, Dea. Clark Hotchkiss continued 
the hono ed ofiict^r of the church until his death it 1890, a period of service of over 
62 yea s In addition to serving as deacon he was also clerk of the church for a 
raajoi part of his life time. He was a man of thorough piety, modest and retiring, 
though i.ctive in anythiDg of general wellare. His name is today the synonym of 
gooiiness, virture and integrity. His religion was of the quiet, retired kind, 
( f thorough purity and deep sincerity. His name was above reproach and 
everyone was forced to recognize the purity and simplicity of his religious life. 
Such a life in its consistency could bring only honor to the cause of Christ, as many 
were led to respect and honor ihe God of Ids faith, and the church of his love and 
labor. While not forward in devising plans lor the advancement of the church, he 
was active in C(j-operating with any scheme presented which he thought would de- 
velop or better it, and thre^v in his effort to make tue plan successful He died in 
1890 at the age of 87, honored and beloved by the community and the church in 
whose spiritual and material development for over 60 years he had had such part. 

His colleague and colaborer, wnom the older members remember with an 
esteem and honor not less great, Theophilus Smith, was equally identified with the 
church and society. Coming to tue town as a young man, he soon showed himself 
a person of ureat energy and push, and by reason of his strong character as well as 
marked efficiency soon took a pla -e of prominence and influence. He was a self- 
matle man, obtaining by hard effort his education. He taught a high school, the 
first in the town, ami not uufrequently a person returns from distant parts who sat 
under him for instruction in those da_\ s. He kept a store, and also a tavern, wbich 
because of the great amount of travel between the northern villages and cities and 
New Haven was well patronized. He was a man of wonderful energy and marked 
vigor. From an active days work he would go to the house and taking up a paper 
or book spend the evening in the cultivation of his mind. Family worship was 
constantly kept up in his house. The tavern was never open on Sunday. He was 
closely connected with the church in many sides of its life and carried with it the 
same energy and spirit and businesslike ways. He made it the subject of prayer 
and was constantly anxious for her welfare. His characteristics were great activ- 
ity and boundless energy, with thorough conscientiousness. His religion possessed 
the heartiness and fervor carried into his daily life. His life was intense and 
strong) and though possessing decided opinion and a quiet, active spirit he never 
dishonored tlie cause in which he was found a faithful and valiant warriors 
'• Moreover it is required in a steward that he be found faithful." 

In addition many here will remember the kindly features, the genial paternal 
bearing of Mr. Amos Hitchcock. Of modest, quiet demeanor, he was a man thor- 
oughly conscientious in his discharge of christian obligations. His integrity and 
the sincerity of his christian life was never questioned. Retiring in habit, he was 
yet shrewd and keen in mind, faithful in his observance of the Sabbath and by 
report a true christian. 

Closely identified with every movement of the church, deeply interested in 
everything pertaining to it, and long an officer of the society, was Mr. Justus Peck, 



20 THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 

whose faithful attendance at church services and whose constant ze il touching 
even the minor matters of her on going are still vividly remembered. 

During this period the church was served in the ministry by Daniel Butt, 
1844-'47, Fosdic Harrison '49-51, Ale.x. Leadbetter '52-54, Ebenczer Robinson 
'54-'60, Seth C. Brace '61-'64, and David Elwooi '64-'69. During the terms of Mr. 
Harrison and Mr. Mitchell revivals we e held which stirred the c lurcli and awoke 
it to neiv endeavors and a m re e^rm^st, active life. 

One of the most impressive things in the hi>tory is the piety of the early 
church. We glean this from the confession of faith, its church c vmants and dis- 
cipline. The confess on of faith is remarkably s'mple and strong. In its broad 
and simple statement of view it is more like the liberal creed of toi'ay, while in it 
there is uoihiog opposed to the orthodox views of that period. The church cove- 
uaut is a^ you will see impressive and solemn. It reads: 

" You do now in the presence of God, the dread majestv of heaven and earth, 
before angels and men, with the utmost seriousne<»s and siiceiitv of soul, avouch 
the Lord Jehnvah to be your God acd Supreme Good, through Jesus Christ, de- 
voting yourself to his fear and service and engaging in dependence upon his 
divine aid conscientiously and perseveringly to keep his Holy Commandments. 
You do also solemnly covenant with His chuich that so long as you remain a 
member of it you will walk tog' ther with it in christian fellnAship in all Gosp' 1 
ordinances, and in a conscientious discharge of all christian duties, constantly de- 
pending on the Lord Jesus Christ for that gracious assistance which may be need- 
ful and sufficient for you." 

After neglecting to keep up the society interests for some years, in 1828 a 
petition was sent to the General Assembly, which is noteworthy for its expression 
of humility and deep contrition. It abounds in statements of regret and remorse 
and confession of neglect and deadness. "They have been a stumbling block to 
sinners." "They have failed to manifest brotherly feeling and tenderness among 
themselves." " They have neglecied the children of the flock who have been pub- 
licly dedicated to God, and have left the sins of their brethren go iinreproved." 
"They thus seek the forgiveness of the christian brethren, and of the High, Holy 
and Heavenly Father." 

In discipline under Mr Hawley they were exact One Jesse Lounsbury ap- 
peared and upon refusing to observe the ordinance of the Lord's Supper according 
to the rules of the church, it was voted that they obey the command of Christ and 
let him be as a heathen man and a publican and that the watch and care of the church 
be withdrawn from him. Also voted that " Whereas Rhoda Hotchkiss has giveu 
satisfactory evidence that she has exercised sincere repentence for living a long 
time in neglect of christian duty, and for dishonoring the cause of true religion, and 
wishes to be received, that she be again cordially received." One Allen Thomas 
makes a confession to the church in these words : " Having been for some years 
a member of this church and having lived unworthy of my christian profession I 
desire to humble myself before God and his people this dav concerning mv sins." 
Then followed a statement that he has neglected seasons of prayer, absenting 
himself from the table of the Lord and the company of his people. " I now repent 
of my sins and ask Christ's forgiveness and of the members of the church whom I 
have offended " 



BETHANY • 21 

In many ways the pure and sincere religion of the early church, their tender 
solicitude for one another, their care and watchfulness over the young of the pariah, 
and their responsibility over the errant members, stand as an example for the 
church of today. The dev 'tion and loyalty of the older members seems a solemn 
call to the same firm faith, pure and honest piety and thorough devotion to the 
church and kingdom of our God and His Christ. 

In 1783 a committee was appointed "to assist the Church of England Commit- 
tee to tind a place for them to set a church on " 

In 1779 the Society began "to confer with Amitv about being made a town." 
This subject was one of much discussion and negotiation and of some strife in re- 
ga d to the place of a town house. The town of Woodbridge was incorporated in 
1784 and was named in lionor of the tirst minister of the Amity church. The 
separation of Bethany as a town be. an to be agitated in 1803 ; but was not accom- 
plished until May, 1832. 

Ot er names of those who acted in Society business before 1800 are, (placing 
them in order of time), Jesse Bradley, William Wooding, Deacon Isaac Johnson. 
Josiah Lounsbury, Deacon Peter Perkins, John Lines, Timothy Hitchcock, Eph- 
raim Turner, Abraham Carrington, Ezra Sperry, Daniel Beecher, Jonathan Andrew, 
Reuben Sperry, Amos Hitchcock, Jonathan Tuttle, Deacon James Wheeler, Jacob 
Hdtchkiss, Jared Sherman, Edward Perkins, Jesse Beecher, David French, Ray- 
mond Sauford, David Thomas, Lamberton ToUes, Roger Peck, John Russell, Medad 
Hotchkiss, John Thomas, Hezekiah Thomas, Caleb Andrews, Elihu Sanford, Jr. 
Reuben Perkins. Hezekiah Johnson, Lucas Lines, Jared Tolles, John Wooding, 
Darius Beecher, Deacon Hezekiah Beecher, Jared Beecher. 

In 1804, (Feb. 2d), it was "voted that we will give Mr. Isaac Jones, Jr , one 
hundred pounds annually for ihree years and then rise five pound a year until 
it shall amount to one hundred and twenty pounds, to commence at the time of 
his ordination and to continue as long as he shall continue to supply the pulpit as a 
minister o' the Gosjiel in this place." 

Feb. 8, 1804, it was "voted to ^ive Mr. Hawley the interest of the minister's 
Bank in this place beginning t'le first of March, 1803, and to continue during his 
natural life, upon liis giving the Society a full discharge from any other demand 
on sd society from the first day of March, 1803 " 

At the May session of the General Assembly in 1809 the following resolution 
was adopted. 

Whereas, it hath been represented th>it the members of the Ecclesiastical So- 
ciety of Bethany, in Woodbridge, have had no legal society meeting lor several 
years. Resolved by this Assembly that John Thomas, Esqui'e, be, and he is here- 
by authorized to give said Society si.\ days warning by posting up the same on the 
Sign Post in said Society before the first Monday of June next, to meet at the 
meetinghouse in said Society on the said first Monday of June, at 2 o'clock in the 
afternoon, and when met, to preside in said meeting, and lead said Society to the 
choice of a Societies' Commiitte, Clerk and Treasurer, iind to do ami iraiisact any 
business proper to be done at said meeting. 

At the meeting so called Timohy Hitchcock was chosen clerk and treasurer, 
and the following society's committee was chosen: John Thomas, Esq., Medad 
Hotchkiss, Isaac Hotchkiss, Jabez Hiichcock, Jesse At water, Demas Sperry, 



22 THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 

Jolin Ten ell, Silas Hotchkist and Jesse Bradley were chosen bank committee, and 
a tax ot one cent and five mills was laid on the list of 1808, to be paid by the tir>t 
of July. 

In 1828 there was a great revival, and from March 1st to October 1st thirt3'two 
were received into membership on confession of faith. 

The list of officers and committees elected at the annual meeting held March 
1, 1837. is as follows: Theophilus Smith, moderator; Lewis Hine, clerk; Grant 
Hitchcock, Levi Wooding, Ebenezer Piatt, society's committee ; Miles Hitch- 
cock, auditor; and Theophilus Smith, first chorister; Hiram Hotchkiss, second 
chorister; Clark Hotchkiss, third chorister; Clark Hotchkiss and Oliver Nettle- 
ton, singing committee. 

The church today (1896) has about 50 members. The present officers were 
elected as follows : Dea. Horsfall in 1883 ; Dea. Rosha, 1895 ; church clerk, Ed- 
win N. Clark, 1890. 





THE PRESENT CHURCH, BUILT IN 183I. 



"RECOLLECTIONS OF EARLY DAYS." 

Edwin Buckingham many years ago narrated his "Recollections of Earlj' 
Days," which were taken down for the Seymour Record, from which we ta'<e the 
following : 

" The old meeting house which I first remember, stood on what used to be 
called " Meeting House Hill," on what is now called the " Shun Pike Road," in 
contradistinction of the "Turnpike " on the east side of the town It was a large 
building— larger by far than the present Congregational church — but yet not too 
large for the attendance, as it was the only church in whicb constant services were 
held in that section of the country, and the inhabitants were by law compelled to 



BETHANY 



23 



attend churrh. This old church was torn down the year 1830, and the timbers 
were used in building the present church on the hill north of it. 

■' This old church was built of large heavy timbers, with a belfry on the north 
end. The interior had plastered walls, a box pulpit in the west end high enough to 
permit the preacher to look into the gallery, and box pews with heavy doors, both 
in the gallery and on the floor. The seats were bare and straight-backed, and 
such a thing as a cushion on a church seat would have been looked upon as a 
mortal sin. 

It may not be uninteresting to the reader to recount a few incidents here which 
illustrate that human nature has not materially changed in seventy years even in 
New England. Some of the young folks desired to have some fun at the clergy- 
man's expense, and so they drove a large flock of geese belonging to Squire San- 
ford, into the church early Saturday evening, and up into the pulpit and carefully 
closed the door. In due time, on Sunday morning, the congregation assembled and 
the minister with sob nni tread marched down the aisle, ascended the steps and 




liNTEKIOIJ OV THE fliriJCH. 



opened the pulpit door. Immediately a hissing and qiiackingsound tilled the church, 
and the frightened dominie sprang backward and aside as down the steps and up 
the aisle marched the geese with a gabble that was perfectly deafening. The dea- 
cons assisted in driving the neese out of doors, and after awhile order was restored 
and the service proceeded with. Great efforts were made to And out the perpetra- 
tors of this act, but without success. Nevertheless the neighborhood was satified 
who were the parlies concerned in the act, and, if he has not recently died, one of 
them is still living in New Haven. 



24 THE CONGRKGATIONAL CHLT^CH. 

Another circumstance connected with the church was the stealing of the 
tongue of the church bell and hiding it under Dr. Castle's haystack. In the spring 
when he fed to the bottom of the stack the tongue was found. A court of inquiry 
was held to inquire into the case and half a dozen of the boys of the town were 
arraigned on the charge, among whom was Jehial Castle, son of Dr. Castle, Edson 
Sperry, and Harry ToUes. son of Daniel Tolles. But no one was convicted. 

" Tithing men" were annually elected, whose dutv it was to see that order was 
kept in the church. They were usually the most austere men of the society, and 
we boys looked upon them with an eye of dread and dislike which they at times 
seemed to heartily return. If a boy whispered to another m church behold there 
was the tithing man at his side in a moment, with scowling face and threatening 
words, and if he smiled during the services he was sure of an admonition from 
them immediately afterward. One of the most austere of these officers was Dea- 
con Tolles, living a little way south of the church. He was quite an elderly man 
and wore a wig with a long cue hanging behind. He was the terror of the boys. 
One Sunday quite a number of them were in a pew alone, and the Deacon suspect- 
ing they meant mischief went into tlie seat with them, carrying along a short rid- 
ing whip. The boys were quite good until they threw the Deacon off his guard, 
and then one of them managed to tie the end of 'he whiplash to his cue. This 
accomplished they were quiet for a few minutes, and then began a concerted noise 
which caused the Deacon to flourish his whip ; aud immediately the congregation 
were edified by seeing a wig flying through the air and the Deacon standing and 
feeling liis bald pate in a most bewildered manner. 



25 



CHRIST CHURCH. 

On the 26th day of August, 1785, the Rev. Bela Hubbard, 
rector of Trinity church, New Haven, began missionary work in 
Bethany by conducting divine service and baptising seven infants 
in the "Church House," a small building situated on what is now 
an unfrequented road, about a mile east of Bethany center. The 
people were too few in number and too poor to finish this building, 
so that it was never lathed and plastered. Through cracks in its 
walls the wind whistled and the snow blew. And yet, without heat 
from any source except from foot stoves, which a few had who 
could afford them in the coldest of weather, on the Lord's Day as 
many were gathered together to worship God as could find sittings 
on the rude and backless benches. 

At noon they went to a near neighbor's to warm themselves, 
eat dinner, take out of their foot stoves the dead coals and put in 
live ones for the afternoon service. Although Mr. Hubbard con- 
tinued to officiate in this churchhouse until the end of his rector- 
ship in New Haven, it seems that no steps were taken to organize 
a legal society of the Episcopal church in Bethany until Nov. 29th, 
1799. Then t\ventytwo persons, including four whose names were 
Tuttle, affixed their names to the following: 

We, the undersignors, professing ourselves Episcopalians and 
claiming the privileges of the afore mentioned laws, do designate 
ourselves b}^ enrollment, and are hereafter to be known by the 
name of Bethany Episcopal Society, holding the right to transact 
all matters in our own body agreeable to law." 

On April ist, 1800, in answer to a summons issued by a justice 
of the peace, the signers to this declaration met at the churchhouse 
and elected a clerk and a committee for the society. They were 
then ready to do business as a religious body according to law, and 
their first act was to vote to tax themselves one cent on a dollar for 



26 BETHANY. 

the support of religious services, the tax to be laid on the grand list 
of 1799. It is quite surprising to us in these days to find how ready 
and willing they were that their religion should cost them some- 
thing. 

Until ta.xation for the support of public worship was abolished 
by act of the legislature, they continued to tax themselves, nearly 
all the time, three cents and sometimes four cents on the dollar, so 
that one of their number, whose property was assessed at $1,000, 
had to pay for religious purposes $30 and $40 a year. 

The first wardens were Uri Tuttle and Daniel Hotchkiss, elected 
April 17th, 1800. On the i6th of December, 1800. it was "voted 
that we keep church in the schoolhouse near Ely Todd's," the 
grandfather of Street, Dwight and Jasper B. Todd, who came from 
Northford in 1783 and lived near the present home of J. B. Todd. 
Evidently the interior of the churchhouse had become too windy 
for services in cold weather. Soon after this the old churchhouse 
was sold, and the proceeds of the sale were kept to apply toward 
the building of a new house. Public worship was then held all the 
time in schoolhouses, laymen reading the services when no clergy- 
men could be had. 

On the 9th of January, 1808, the society decided to build a 
church near the house of Roger Peck, now F. A. Perry's place, 48 
feet in length and 36 feet in width, with a cupola. In the year 1809 
one fourth of an acre of ground was deeded to the societ}' by Roger 
Peck, for which they paid him $50, and on "which the church, 
represented in the accompanying picture, now stands. 

On the 2d of May, 1809, Ailing Carrington was appointed by 
the society as an agent to piesent to the General Assembly a peti- 
tion asking that body to grant them a lottery of $2,000 to finish the 
church. But there is no evidence that, in this case, this then quite 
customary plan of getting money for religious and charitable pur- 
poses was ever carried into effect. The desired amount appears to 
have been raised by subscription and promissory notes. Perhaps 
it was the pressing need of money that caused the appointment of 
a committee at this time to sell tallow and candles belonging to the 
church. 

At a meeting of the society on the 6th day of No\'ember, 1809, 
it was "voted that this meeting consitler Isaac Jones a person 
worthy and well (inalirtod for a gospel minister, and wish that he 



CHRIST CHURCH. 



27 



may be introduced into the Episcopal order agreeable to the rules 
in such cases made and provided." This vote of recommendation 
was the outcome of a sensational event which took place at about 
this time among the Presbyterians. 

Isaac Jones, their pastor, for the offense of coming among 
them a bachelor and marrying one of their number, and for various 




CHRIST CHURCH AND RKCTORY 



other reasons, was disliked by some of them. So intense did the 
feeling against him grow to be, that it even entered that indispen- 
sable thing of uncertainty — the country choir, and affected it to 
such a degree that it refused to open its mouth in praise to God, 
when Mr. Jones was present. Every time after he had given out a 
hymn and read its verses, the choir was silent. Then it was that 
the good Deacon Phinehas Terrill immortall\' distinguishevi him- 



28 BETHANY. 

self as a soloist; for he arose, and going to the front in the choir 
loft, sang the whole hymn through alone. The result of this 
trouble was that the Rev. Isaac Jones, with his two deacons, Phine- 
has Terrill and Hezekiah Beecher, seceded and went over to the 
Episcopal church, taking with them sixty Presbyterians 

This accounts for the fact that since that time the Episcopal 
society has been the strongest religious body in Bethany, and for 
man}^ 3^ears the only one able to support a resident clergyman. 
Mr. Jones was rector of the church here in 1810 and 181 1. 

The frame of the present church edifice was raised May 12th, 1809- 
While this church was being built regular services were held 
in Darius Beecher's hall, or ball room, as it was then called. 
This building still stands on the "Shun Pike" road, just north of the 
churches, and was later owned by Orrin Wheeler. 

On the i8th of April, 1814, the society voted to hire preaching 
three fourths of the time. When there was no minister, Archibald 
Perkins and Reuben Judd were appointed to read the service, and 
the following to read the sermon: Timothy Ball, Lysias Beecher, 
Roger Peck, John Russell, George Peck, Eber Lines and Heze- 
kiah Thomas. 

On the i6th of January, 18 10, a committee of seven men was 
elected "to seat the church, on the list of 1808, showing such re- 
spect to age as they shall think proper." The debt of respect due 
from all to the aged was always paid in full in those days. Thus 
sittings were assigned to members of the congregation from time to 
time, until on the second day of June, 1828, it was voted to sell the 
seats annually to the highest bidders. The society then purchased 
one half of a slip and gave it to Archibald Perkins for his services 
as chorister. The church received its name, Christ church, on the 
2d of September, and was consecrated on the 19th of Septem'^er, 
1 8 10. 

Near the beginning of the last quarter of the 19th centur}', s :) 
long a time had elapsed since any repairs had been made on the 
building that it had become almost dilapidated. It was estimated 
that $2,ooD would be needed to put it in fair condition. The people 
were determined not to get into debt for their house of worship. 
The society met time and again to consider ways of raising monev. 
It seemed impossible to get the amount required. S. R. Wood- 
ward had done hard and faithful work as collector, but had secured 



CHRIST CHURCH. 



29 




INTERIOR OF CHRIST CHURCH. 



30 BETHANY. 

only$i,5oo. It was believed that no more could be obtained. S. 
G. Davidson, at the request of the society, then undertook the task 
of collecting, and the $r,soo soon increased to $2,300. Then work 
was begun. 

The two tablets, on which were inscribed the Creed, the Lord's 
Prayer, and the Ten Commandments, were taken from the chancel 
wall and stored in the woodroom of the rectory. These tablets had 
come from England, found a place" in Trinity church. New Haven, 
when it stood on Church street, and when Trinity church was built 
on the Green they were given to the church in Bethany. They 
were returned in 1885, and are now to be seen, bright with new 
gilding and varnish, in the vestibule of Trinity church. 

These tablets and the galleries and windows are the only 
objects that still e.xist to show how the interior of Christ church 
looked before its renovation in 1875. Then its high pulpit, with 
stairways was torn down, new flooring was laid over the old. 
new and most inviting pews and cushions were put in position, new 
carpets laid, a beautiful and costly stained glass window placed 
over an appropriate scriptural sentence in the chancel, and the 
walls, ceiling and woodwork were tastefully kalsomined and painted. 
And when all was done, on the 14th of September, 1875, a great 
gathering of the clergy from all parts of the state assembled here, 
with a crowd of people, and the church was reconsecrated to the 
worship of God. 

Again in the year 1875 the building was a in deplorable condition 
for want of paint. At the same time there was urgent need of an 
organ to take the place of one which had been given to the church 
many years ago by Seymour Tuttle. Some desired that an effort 
should be made first to raise money to paint the church, and then that 
a small sum should be expended for a reed organ. Others wanted a 
pipe organ, but cared not for the paint. S. G. Davidson declared 
that it would be easier to raise the money needed to paint the build- 
ing, if at the same time subscriptions were solicited for a pipe organ. 
He was appointed collector, and within two weeks he obtained 
$1,600. The church building was then thoroughly painted, all neces- 
sary repairs were made, and an organ purchased from Hook & 
Hastings of Boston, at a cost of $1,200. 

Christ church stands a monument of the piety and self-sacrific- 
ing spirit of men and women of past generations, and of generations 



CHRIST CHURCH. 31 

still living, who were and are the really great ones of the town; for 
the day of judgment will show the great ones here to have been 
those who have faithfully worked for God's honor and glory. 

The present officers of this church, February, igoi, are: 

Lewis F. Morris, rector. 

F. W. Beecher, clerk. 

T. D. Davidson, treasurer. 

Noyes Wheeler and J. B. Todd, wardens. 

S. G. Davidson, E. O. Pardee and George Selleck, vestrymen. 

(above by rev. l. f. morris.) 



The following entry was found in the parochial record of Trinity 
Church, New Haven, the entry having been made by Rev. Bela 
Hubbard, then rector of Trinity church. "Bethany, Woodbridge, 
August 26th, 1785, opened ye Episcopal church by ye name of X 
church and preached, &c., and baptized 7 infants." 

The following list of Bethany names found in the above men- 
tined parochial register under the heads of baptisms, marriages and 
burial, show which were the families then included in the church. 

Beecher — Anna, Benjamin, Betsey, Comfort, Eli, Elizabeth, 
Trasene, Grace, Hannah, Thompson, John, John Dunlap. Laban 
Smith, Mary, Marriner. Moses, Moses, Jr., Rachel, Wealthy, 
Wealthy Ann, William, Parmelee, Wilmot. 

Tolles — Abram, Chauncey, Dan, Deborah, Elizabeth, Elnathan, 
Francis, Hannah, Henry, James, John, Lydia, Martha, Patty, Sarah, 
Thomas, William. 

Todd — Charlotte, Law, Eunice, George, Joseph, Lowl}-, Lu- 
cinda. Hansel, Michael, Sarah, Thaddeus. 

Perkins — Archibald, Arch, Abner, Hulday, Sarah, Samuel, Uri. 

Sperry — Dan, David, Dennis, Eber, Esther, George, Isaac, 
Joel, Lois, Lyman, Mary, Miles, Parmelee, Sarah, Susan. Zymri, 
Margaret. Mary, Peggy, Polly, Richard, Samuel, Sarah, Stephen, 
Thomas, Uri, William, Zeruiah. 

Tuttle — Abigail, Abraham, Amin, Miles, Asahel, Bethel, Bethia, 
Charles, David, Dorothy, Elizabeth, Hannah, Eunice, Fannie, 
George, Harriet, Henrietta, Henry, Hopkins, Hezekiah, Isaac, 
Jane, Catherine. John, Todd, Jotham, Julia, Lucy. 

The original "church-house" was on the hill south of the resi- 
dence of Frederick Beecher. on the corner as the road runs east- 



32 BETHANY. 

ward, which is known as the church corner. The followinf^ have 
had ministerial charge of the parish: Rev. Bela Hubbard of New 
Haven, Rev. Isaac Jones, (1809-1811,) Rev. Mr. Ives of Cheshire, 
Rev. Mr. Prindle of Oxford, Rev. Joseph Clark, during whose 
pastorate of four or five years the rectory was built; Rev. Mr. 
Curtis-, Rev. Mr. Rouse, Rev. Mr. Potter, who during a pastorate 
of two years devoted great energy toward clearing the incum- 
brances which weighed so heavily upon the society, succeeding 
before his departure in showing a clean balance sheet; Rev. Mr. 
Zell of Litchfield, Rev. Josephus Tragitt, and Rev. L. F. Morris. 



41 



TOPOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL. 



What is now the town of Bethany was in colonial times in- 
cluded in the towns of New Haven and Milford. If a straight line 
be drawn on the map of Bethany along the Round Hill Road to 
where it would terminate at Beacon Cap it will represent the line 
which formerly was the boundary between New Haven and Milford. 
The parish of Amity was incorporated in 1739, and included the 
present towns of Woodbridge and Bethany. This parish was 
divided in 1762, and the parish of Bethany was incorporated, covering 
nearly the same area as does the present town of Bethany. 

Bethany Center is about ten miles from New Haven and 
twelve from Waterbury. It is beautifully located on a plateau si.\ 
hundred feet above the sea level, overlooking an irregular but con- 
tinuous valley reaching to the lowlands along the seashore. Direct- 
ly to the east the hillside drops several hundred feet to a wooded 
valley, beyond which the verdant hills rise again to a considerable 
height, their sides but sparsely dotted with farmhouses. To the 
westward there is but a slight rise to a broad stretch of arable land 
including some of the finest farms in the town. 

Bethany Center includes the two older churches, the Congre- 
gational and the Episcopal, the latter witn a rectory; the Hall, 
once the Bethany Academy building, the fine old residence now 
owned by Frederick Perry, and until recently the old Sperry home- 
stead, which had long been falling into decay. A little south is the 
Hitchcock house, in which the postoffice was kept for many years, 
the residence of James Megin, the district schoolhouse and the 
Center Cemetery, and a little farther south the residence of James 
Cotter, the Capt. Dayton house of Revolutionary times. To the 
north are the residences of Deacon Thomas Horsfall and the fine 
old mansion now owned by the Misses Wheeler, described on pages 
99-101 . A little farther north is the famous Lebanon Hill, over which 
the main road leads and on which are several fine old residences. 
From this hill a view of Long Island Sound mav be obtained. 



42 BETHANY, 

Near the foot of the northerly slope of this hill formerly stood 
the noted Perkins hotel, formerly the principal place of rest and 
refreshment on the turnpike from New Haven to Waterbury. 

The eastern boundary of the town is formed by a natural 
barrier. West Rock Rid<re. Should one walk a mile or two from 
where the summit of the ridge is crossed by the Woodbridge town 
line, he will find an object of interest in the lonely mountain road 
which winds over the hills. On the north side of the road the 
mountain rises abruptly and the summit is crested with a grove of 
pines which fact has given it the name of Pine Ledge. About a 
mile beyond this point the mountain is crossed by a deep ravine, 
known as the "Gap." Across the Gap the ridge is called Mad 
Mare's Hill. It is over eight hundred feet in height and from its 
crest a fine view^ may be obtained. 

Farther to the north is Gaylord Mountain, and at its foot 
another road finds its precipitous way over the hill. A mile or two 
farther brings one to the highest peak of the whole ridge, Mt. 
Sanford, over 900 feet in height, and upon its summit the towns 
of Bethany, Hamden, Cheshire and Prospect meet. From 
this summit there is a suberb view in every direction. 

Leaving West Rock Ridge a series of hills known as the 
Beacon Mountains begin and extend in a westerly direction to the 
Naugatuck river, where in conjunction with the hills on the 
opposite side they form a deep gorge through which the river flows. 
These hills abound with localities historically interesting, and many 
a quaint legend is attached to its deep gorges and wild glens. 

Perched on the highest point of the mountains is a huge, anvil- 
shaped boulder called Beacon Cap, which was probably left there 
during the glacial period. In early colonial times it was known 
simply as the "Beacon." That it was well known and pointed out 
by the settlers as a prominent landmark before the close of the 
seventeenth century is shown by the frequent mention in the 
records of that time. It has formed a natural bound for several 
of the older towns of the county, and at present is a boundary stone 
between Bethany and Naugatuck. In troublous times with the 
Indians it was included in a system of signals maintained by the 
colonists, and fires were built upon it, from which fact the 
mountains derived their name. The rock is frequently' visited for 
the beautiful view which may be obtained from the summit. It is 



TOPOGRAPHY. 43 

difficult to climb the rugged mountainside, the way leading up a 
steep, narrow gorge down which a rill winds its tortuous course. 
This gorge terminates in a circular, rock-walled space, a difficult 
path up its steep sides bringing the view-seeker nearly to his goal 
where the Beacon Cap looms up before him, and the summit once 
gained repays one for his exertions. To north, south, east and west 
the view extends, and perhaps the prettiest of all is the Beacon 
Valley in which lies the village of Straitsville. 




THK PERKINS HOTEL. 

The onl}' large natural lake which Bethanv can boast is that 
of Lebanon, and that is fast dwindling in size. It is however one 
of the interesting features, and is situated in the center of a large 
swamp in the northern part of the town. The swamp is deeply 
fringed by tall and stately white cedars, so that it is necessary, in 
entering the swamp, to pass through labyrinth of trees as tall and 
straight as the pillars of a vast cathedral, branchless to a consider- 
able height, where they branch out into heavy foliage, which casts 
a deep gloom upon the vaulted avenues of the forest, where silence 
is broken only by the echoes of the voice or the distant cawing of 
the crows. Traversing this swamp is somewhat difficult since it is 
necessary to leap from the moss-covered roots of one tree to the 



44 BETHANY. 

next over pools of mnrk}- water. But if one perseveres until he 
einerofes into the open space within the circle of the cedars he will 
be well repaid for his trouble as a scene breaks upon the vision 
which will never be forjjotten. Before the visitor, stretches a level 
plain of peculiar yellow moss into which the foot sinks to the knee 
at every step, and this soft carpet is dotted with many species of 
the much souijht for pitcher plant, many botanists visitinti' the 
swamp to obtain specimens of this remarkable plant. 

Near the center of this moss}' plain is a lake of blackest water, 
the home of countless turtles who are continually thrusting- their 
heads above the water, while beyond is a background of the tall 
cedars which encircle the mossy plain. Lonij atjo John Thomas 
owned the swamp and kept a boat upon it for pleasure parties. 
The number of Indian relics which have been found in the fields 
adjoinintj the swamp lead one to believe that it was a favorite 
resort of the aborigines. Visits to the swamp are attended with 
danger and should only be made by those experienced in such 
places or in parties who can rescue one another in case of mishap. 

There are however several large artificial lakes in the town, 
made for the purpose of reservoirs for supplying water to the city 
of New Haven. Among these is Lake Bethany, situated in the 
eastern part of the town, on West River. The dam was built in 
1892, by the New Haven Water Company, and forms one of the 
largest reservoirs in the water system of that city. The next in 
size is Lake Chamberlain, which is situated about a mile west of 
the former. 

The northern section of the town is drained bv the Beacon 
Hill river and Lebanon Brook. The former is one of the largest 
streams in Bethany, and several mills have been built along its 
banks. At the point where it fiows through the Straits, a narrow 
gorge through the Beacon Mountains, it is very picturesque. 

In the eastern part of Bethany is West River. Its source is at 
the base of Mount Sanford. and it flows into Lake Bethany. For 
two or three miles beyond the lake its course is through a deep 
ravine. From thence it flows across the plains of Woodbridge 
toward Long Island Sound. Sargents River, a tributar}' of West 
River, flows through the center of the town. Lake Chamberlain is 
on this stream. Bladens Brook forms a part of the southwestern 
boundary and has a branch called Hopp Brook. These streams 



MANUFACTURES. 



45 



have furnished power for sawmills, gristmills and cidermills. 

Among the early industries of the town was the manufacture 
of wool. The fleeces from the sheep upon our hills were in part 
worked up at the homes of the people. At first yarn was spun on 
the spinning wheel and knit into warm stockings and mittens, and 
in some cases was woven on hand looms by the industrious wives 
and daughters of the farmers who had cared for the sheep on 
whose backs the wool had grown. 



■ 

r 








i.^ 




^, "U^^^^ 


m^mm^ 








wSmm- ' M 




^H 


^H|^^(JB^^^^_ ^^ , . ,,^ 


idiiriliHH 




^^1 


IK' _ . ^^^^^^'s^SI^H 


9^^lllli^^H 



anothp:r view of the perkins hotel. 

But as time fled on some more rapid method of manipulating 
the wool was sought, and a woolen mill was established in North 
Bethany, where the wool was carded by waterpower, and the 
homespun woolen cloth was "dressed." This mill was purchased 
by Bennett Twitchell from the estate of Jonathan Stoddard about 
1844. Mr. Twitchell carried on the business until his death in 
1853, and his oldest son, George B. Twitchell, then carried on the 
business for a few years. 

Since the incorporation of the town in [832. there have been 
only six town clerks, Hezekiah Thomas, 1832-44; Edwin Lines, 
1845; Asa C. Woodward, 1846-50; Jason W. Bradley, 1851-54; 
Nathan Clark, 1855-79 ; and Edwin N. Clark, since 1879- 

The selectmen have been Andrew Beecher, Harry French, 
Lewis Lines. Miles French, P. B. Hine, Enos Perkins, Darius 
Driver, Sidney Sperry, Justus Peck, Miles French, Ezra S. Spcrry, 
Andrew T. Hotchkiss, Marcus W. Bradley, Dennis Beecher, Robert 



46 BETHANY. 

Clark, Guy Perkins. Milo Beecher, Edwin Buckingham, Henry E. 
Lounsbury. Dwight N. Clark. Buel Buckingham. Edwin Pardee, 
Jason W. Bradley, Henry E. Lounsbury, Theophilus Smith, E. O. 
Pardee, Horace Tolles, Anthony H. Stoddard, Abel Prince, Leverett 
Shares, Guy Perkins, Dennis Beecher, Robert Clark, David Carring- 
ton. Andrew J. Doolittle, Adrian C. Rosha, Samuel R. Woodward, 
Samuel G. Davidson, Charles C. Perkins, David Carrington, 
Jasper B. Todd, Frederick W. Beecher, Dwight L. Humiston, 
Harry F. Peck, Arthur H. Doolittle. Jerome A. Downs, Noyes 
Andrew, Wm. L. Wooding, Edwin G. Pardee. 

Jason W. Bradley was Judge of Probate from the formation of 
the probate district in 1844 until the fall of 1856 ; Andrew Beecher 
1856 to 1863, Nathan Clark 1863 to 1879, and Edwin N. Clark 
since 1879. 



THE CHURCH BELLS. 

The bells which have called the people to services in the two 
churches at the center have each done duty for about half a century. 
High in their towers they have rung in times of peace, in war, or 
to spread the alarm of fire. They have spoken at one time to tell 
of a happy wedding, and at another to sadly toll out the death of 
an inhabitant. The bell of Christ church probably weighs nearly 
half a ton. It was cast in a foundry in New Haven in 1858. It is 
said to have been recast from the old bell which was placed in the 
church a century ago. 

The bell of the Congregational church, which is the older of 
the two, has a very clear, loud tone, that can be heard in all parts 
the town. On the bell is the following inscription, made when the 
bell was cast: — "A. Meneeley & Son, West Troy, N. Y., 185 1. 
1015 lbs, Key B. Congregational Church, Bethany, Conn." 

This bell succeeded the old one, which had been used for 
nearl}- one hundred years. In the Revolutionary War it had been 
rung by Dr. Hooker's negro slave, Scipio, to alarm the inhabitants 
of Bethany Parish, March 15, 1781, the morning after the raid of 
Alexander Graham and his tory soldiers from Long Island, this sig- 
nal having been previously agreed upon in case of danger. 



REMINISENCES. 47 

The following: is from the "Recollections of Early Days," by 
Edwin Buckingham, published in the Seymour Record in 1881. 

"In my early days for an individual to transgress church rules 
or state laws with any approach to the impunity with which they 
are now violated, would be to subject himself to fines and imprison- 
ments, and unbearable social ostracism. The real ' Blue Laws," 
so called, (not the exaggerated counterfeits which have been so 
extensively circulated), were yet quite rigidly enforced, and though 
many of them were repealed about the time I arrived at manhood, 
I can remember when the mere mention of any change in them 
sufficed to bring a storm of pulpit rhetoric that was sure to squelch 
the offender. Furthermore, the opinions of the clergy were heeded, 
and most generally accepted by the whole community as the 
correct way of looking at things. It is hardly necessary to speak 
of the change seventy years has wrought in this respect. Then the 
clergy were right around with and among the people, visiting and 
praying with them daily, and inquiring concerning and giving 
council about all the common things of life, and I have often 
thought that this was the source of their iniluence, and their failure 
to continue their labors zealously in that direction the cause of the 
decline of church power. 

"An incident which I remember will illustrate the zealous 
manner in which the church executed the laws which the state had 
enacted through its influence. It was a statute that every man 
must attend church somewhere a certain number of times during 
the year, and failing to do so, the deacons of the Congregational 
church were empowered to cite him before them, try him, and in- 
flict such fine or nnprisonment as they found the case demanded. 
My father's near neighbor, Hezekiah Hotchkiss. was a pretty good 
sort of a man, but did not attend church anywhere in particular 
and was therefore presumably by law under the spiritual super- 
vision of the Congregational deacons. A tally of his delin(|uences 
having been kept by these falcon-eyed keepers of public morals, it 
was discovered at the close of the year that he had fallen behind 
the required number of attendances, and he was accordingly cited 
to appear before them. The case was duly tried, and not being 
able to disprove the charge he was severely reprimanded and fined 
ciuite heavily. Hotchkiss made a strong appeal against the judge- 
ment, but the inexorable deacons turned the screws right down on 



48 BETHANY. 

him, and brought him to time and made him pay the fine. Shortly 
afterwards he called at my father's house, and being joked about 
the circumstance declared that this proceeding had decided him 
never to enter a church again except to comply with the letter of 
the law and avoid being fined. 

"Another instance which I remember is this. — The statute pro- 
vided that all the laws touching the observance of the Sabbath be 
applied to Fast Day. and the annual proclamation announced that 
"Labor and vain recreation is by law prohibited." There were 
two grand jurors, Abel Lines and Minot Collins, strict churchmen, 
who lived in our part of the town, who took it upon themselves to 
see that the law was carried out. One Fast Day a number of boys 
got together and went down into a back lot to play ball, fully half 
a mile away from the nearest house. Somehow Collins learned of 
the fact, and the boys were all summoned before his terrible 
presence. To such as appeared he administered scathing rebukes 
for their Godless conduct, and he imposed and collected heavy fines 
upon those who did not appear. 

"Notwithstanding the rigidly of those laws and the uncom- 
promising manner in which they were executed, I am free to con- 
fess that I believe they produced a more beneficial result than the 
lax manner in which they are at present administered. There was 
little of the lawless brawling, so common now, to be found any- 
where then, and what did occur was visited with quick and unflinch- 
ing punishment. Honesty and uprightness were virtues expected 
from every man, and there was no winking at a vice because a man 
gave liberally to the church. Young men were brought up to 
believe that loafing, not labor, was dishonorable ; and a girl was 
not considered so much better than her mother that she was 
allowed to dawdle in the parlor while the latter slaved in the kit- 
chen ; good hours were the rule, and courtships did not require a 
secrecy which shut both father and mother from confidence. In 
short, if my notions are not too old fashioned for modern belief, 
the Puritanism of my early days made better men and women than 
the average of the present day." 



49 



FROM THE RECORDS OF CHRIST CHURCH: 

1836. 
April 17, Win. H. Turner of New Haven and Jane Mix of Hamden. 
Nov. 13, Jobamah E. Gunn, Waterbury, and Rebecca A. Hotchkiss, 

Bethany. 
Dec. 18, Alonzo Warner, Hamden, and Ruth Chatfield. Bethany. 

1837. 

Jan. I, EliasN. Clark, Waterbury, and Minerva C. Mentes, Bethany. 

Feb. 12, Newel Lounsbury and Jennette Hungerford both of Bethany. 

July 23, Willet Bradley of Courtlandville, N. Y., and Harriet T. 
Hotchkiss, Bethany. 

Sept. 2, Amri B, Peck and Minerva Nettleton, both of Bethany. 

Sept. 10, Stephen Hotchkiss, Jr., Bethany, and Abigail Hotchkiss, 
Prospect. 

Oct. 8, Willis Doolittle, Hamden and Abigail Hitchcock, Wood- 
bridge. 

Oct. 21, Howel Beecher and Adaline Burnham, both of Bethany. 

1838. 

Jan. I, Allen B. L. Meyart, Auburn, N. Y., and Huldah Perkins, 
Bethany . 

Jan. 7, Henry A, Smith and Catherine E. Bradley, both of Bethany. 

Jan. 21, Edmond B. W. Hitchcock and Angeline Terrell, both of 
Bethany. 

March 14, Alonzo Sperry and Rebecca Hotchkiss, both of Bethany. 

March 15. Joseph Hale, Suffield, Mass., and Juliette Hicock, Wood- 
bridge. 

March 20, Enos Beecher and Lucy L. Russell, both of Bethany. 

Sept. 16, Stephen Wooding and Mira Kimball, both of Bethany. 

Sept. 15, John Tucker, Waterbury, and Maria Perkins, Bethany. 

Dec. 24, Charles Perkins, Bethany, and Mary A. Meriam, Waterbury. 

1839- 
Jan. 13, JariasB. Hotchkiss and Eunice Russell, both of Bethany. 



5^ BETHANY 

Jan. 25, Stephen Bradley, Prospect, andThirzaGibbard, Waterbury. 
June 26. Noah N. Perkins and Maria Lounsbury, both of Waterbury. 
Sept. 3, Thomas N. Taylor of Granby and Polly P. Allen of 

Woodbridge. 
Sept. 26, Jesse Hotchkiss and Caroline Lounsbury, both of Bethany. 
Oct. 6, Beecher D. Hotchkiss and Betsey Perkins, both of Bethany. 
Oct. 16, Timothy Lounsbury of Bethany, and Sarah Newton of 

Westville. 
Oct. 27, Albert Driver and Harriet A. Allen, both of Bethany. 

1840. 
Jan. 5, Daniel Wilmot of Waterbury and Gertie O. Handry of 

Hamden. 
April 13, Benjamin A. Clarke of Middlebury and Mary Gaylord of 

Hamden. 
April 17, Francis Rhub of New Haven and Harriet L. H. N. Rhoska 

of Bethany. 
April II, Timothy Fowler of Woodbridge and Mary E. Stevens of 

Bethany. 
Sept. 13, Edwin Lines and Mary A. Castle, both of Bethany. 
Sept. 13, Jared Hotchkiss of Bethany and Amy French of Prospect. 
Oct. II. William F. Gilyard of Derby and Wealthy A. Hotchkiss 

of Bethany. 

1841. 
March 14, Samuel French of Waterbury and Charry Bradley of 

Bethany. 
April 4, George Hotchkiss and Laura Sperry, both of Bethany. 
Sept. 14, George H. Durrie of New Haven and Sarah A. Perkins of 

Bethany. 
Sept. 20. Lucius Russell and Elizabeth L. Thomas, both of Bethany. 
Nov. 7, Wales F. Perkins and Eliza E. Tolles, both of Bethany. 

1842. 
March 29, Jeremiah Collins and Nora N. Lounsbury, both of Bethany. 

1843. 
Jan. 19, D. W. Russell and Henrietta M. Collins, both of Bethany. 
April 2, Buel Buckingham and Henrietta Beecher, both of Bethany. 
April 10, Harmon Allen and Rebecca Lounsbury, both of Bethany. 
Sept. 25, Henry Judd and Hannah French, both of Prospect. 
Oct. I, David Ford of Westville. and Sarah M. Umberfield of 
Bethany. 



VITAL STATISTICS. 5^ 

Oct. 9, Nathan Prince of Bethany and Hannah Sherman of New- 
town. 

Nov. 1.3, Burton Mallery of New Haven and Mary Beecher of 
Bethany. 

1844. 

Sept. 18, Richard Day of Illinois, and Frances N. Thomas of 
Bethany. 

Oct. 6, Benjamin Bronson of North Carolina and Polly J. Perkins 
of Bethan}'. 

Dec. 25, Wm. C. White and Harriet Prince, both of Bethany. 

T846. 

Feb. 22, Gny Beecher and Sarah Ann Chatfield, both of Bethany. 

Aug. 2, Geo. W. French of New Haven and Ellen S. Scott of 
Naugatuck. 

Dec. 7, David Clark and Charlotte Seeley, both of Bethany. 

Dec. 25, Adna Hotchkiss and Elizabeth Perkins, both of Bethany. 

Dec. 25, Isaac Perkins and Emily Todd, both of Bethany. 

1847- 
Nov. 7, Samuel Todd of North Haven and Pamelia I. Chatfield of 

Bethany. 

1848. 
March 5, DeWitt C. Castle of Humphreysville, and Sarah F. 

Hotchkiss of Bethany. 
May 17, George H. Alhng of Orange, and Martha Sperry of Bethany. 
Sept. 16, Edwin Terrill and Eveline Smith, both of Naugatuck. 

MARRIAGES BY REV. HENRY ZELL. 

Oct. 9, Wales F. Perkins of Bethany, and Maria L. Clark of Wood- 
bridge. 

Oct. 22, Noyes Wheeler and Charry S. Tuttle, both of Bethany. 

1849. 

July 29, George Northrop of Bethany and Laura E. Truesdale of 
Humphreysville. 

Oct. 21, Charles A. Smith of Orange and Julia E. Sperry of Bethany. 

Nov. II, John M. Sperry of Woodbridge and Harriet Jane Sperry 
of Bethany. 

Dec. II, Benjamin P. Chatfield and Sarah E. Judd, both of Bethany. 

1S50. 

June 16, Nathaniel Langdon Proctor of Woodbury and Elizabeth 
Tyrrell of Bethany. 



52 BETHANY 

June i6, David A. Burnham of Bethany and Emily G. Downs of 

Woodbridge. 
Nov. lo, Geo. L. Woodruff of Woodbridge and Margaret Burnham 

of Bethany. 
Nov. 21, Joseph WiUiam Bradley and Mary J. Neal, both of 

Woodbridge. 

1851. 
Jan. 19, Joseph O. Hubbell of Oxford and Lucy Ann Beach of 

Cheshire. 
April 14, Andrew Johnson of Humphreysville and Ann Elizabeth 

Davis of Bethany. 
April 18, Verus Candee of Naugatuck and Mira Wooding of Bethany. 
May 4, Orange W. Race of Hamden and Mary L. Downs of Bethany. 
May 4, Silas Wilmot, Jr., of Wallingford, and Mrs. Laura Brooks of 

Bethany. 
Oct. 22, William S. Beecher of Prospect and Mary A. Sperry of 

Bethany. 

1852. 
Feb. 15, Harpin N. Hotchkiss and Charlotte E. Ailing, both of 

Bethany. 
April 18, Dennis Beecher and Mary Jane Clark (adopted daughter 

of Nelson Clark). 
April 25, William I. Pierpont of Waterbury and Mary Grace 

Beecher of Bethany. 
May 6, David A. Lounsbury of Bethany and Susan M. Doolittle of 

of Hamden. 
May 9, Amasa B. Brooks of Cheshire and Elizabeth M. Wooding 

of Bethany. 
Nov. 14, Jarvis Bronson of Derby and Lucy L. Beecher of Bethany, 
Nov. 18, Jacob W. Wilcox of New Haven and Charlotte E. Hulburt 

of Waterbury. 

1853- 
Jan. 10, Eli H. Wakelee of Derby and Eunice A. Chatfield of Bethany 
Feb. 8, Wales C. Dickerman of Hamden and Cecil Todd of Bethany. 
Feb. 20, Charles C. Perkins and Jane B. Perkins, both of Bethany, 
April 17, Henry N. Johnson of Westville and Sylvia Northop of 

Woodbridge. 
Oct. 13, John H. Sherwood of Fairfield and Selina P. Beecher of 

Bethany, (by the Rev. John M. Gnion). 



VITAL STATISTICS. 53 

1855. 
MARRIAGES BY REV. CHARLES J. TODD. 

May 20, Archibald A. Perkins and Mrs. Minerva Scoville, both of 
Bethany. 

1856. 
April 5, John Russell and Hannah Hotchkiss, both of Bethany. 

1857. 

MARRIAGES BY REV. JAMES ADAMS. 

Feb. 7, Street B. Todd of New Haven, and Sarah Ann Hotchkiss 
of Bethany. 

1858. 

MARRIAGES BY REV. F. B. WOODWARD. 

Aug 19, Levi Marks of Bethany, and Mrs. Emehne Pierpont of 
New Haven. 

Sept. 25, George W. Woodward and Margaret L. Sperry, both of 
Bethany. 

1859. 

Feb. 3, Theodore A. Shepard and Ellen L. Ramsdell. both of 
Chatham. 

June 10, Albert Sperry and Grace Russell, both of Bethany. 

June 10, Dr. E. P. Woodward and Eliza D. Sperry, both of Beth- 
any (by Rev. Mr. Coley of Westville.) 

July 10, Franklin B. Atwater and Elizabeth Barnes, both of Bethany. 

Dec. 22, Charles Austin, Bethany, and Laura C. Tuttle, New Haven. 

i860. 

Jan. 15, W. Herbert French and Mary S.Carrington, both of Bethany. 

April 29, Charles E. Wooding and Elvira C. Clinton, both of Wood- 
bridge. 

Militus Huxford of Ansonia and Kate L. Hale of Woodbridge. 

Oct 7, Lewis Hitchcock and Valnia Hine, both of Woodbridge. 

Nov. 12, Lauren E. Cook of Cheshire and Caroline E. Perkins of 
Bethany. 

1861. 

May 15. Henry M. Tuttle and Nelhe M. Sears, both of Woodbridge. 

1862. 

June 15, Martyn P. Merrill of Orange and Hannah A. Brown of 
Bethany. 

Aug. 13, Charles W. Tyrrell of New Haven and Mary A. Norton of 
Prospect. 



54 BETHANY. 

Aug. 24, Seth Woodward and Nellie J. Sackett. both of Bethany. 

1863. 
Abner Warner of Hamden and Laura A. Hitchcock of Bethany. 

BY REV. H. S. ATWATER. 

June 2, George L. Smith and Martha E. Lines, both of Naugatuck. 

1864. 
Jan. 17, Theron Eustice Allen and Rosella R. Russell, both of 

Bethany. 
March 12, Thomas Palmer and Jennett Wooding, both of Bethany. 
Dec. 24. Horatio N. Clark of Prospect, and Laura DeE. H. Perkins. 

of Bethany. 

1865. 
Jan. 18, Charles Tucker and Mrs. Harriet Taylor, both of Harwinton. 
Sunday before Easter, April 9. George Herbert Allen of Hamden, 

and Almeda E. Buckingham of Bethany. 
April 9, Henry A. Doolittle of Hamden and Emma L. Doolittle of 

Woodbridge. 
July 8. Hobart B. Marks of Milford, and Cynthia Maria Sanford of 

Prospect. 
Oct. 15, John Lucius Driver and Mrs. Jane D. Kane, both of Bethany. 
Nov. 12, Evelyn O. Pardee and Martha L. Sperry, both of Bethany. 

1866. 
Jan. I, Edward Beecher and Christina E. Tolles, both of Bethany. 
April 4, Silas E. Jeralds and Julia A. Chandler, both of Prospect. 
April 29, Miles F. Williams of Prospect, and Mary E. Wooding of 

Cheshire. 
Oct. 18, John W. Brooks of Ansonia and Carrie Scheifferdecker of 

Bethany. 

Nov. 15, George F. Umberfield and Mrs. Catherine Warner, both 

of Bethany; (married at Beacon Falls). 
Nov. 22, Richard H. Griffing and Celia R. Haskins, both of Bethany. 

1867. 
April 20, Frederick A. Parker of New Haven and Anna M. Donnell 

of Bethany. 

June 5, George B. Twitchel of Bethany and Juliette A. Payne of 

Naugatuck. 
Oct. 20. Hanford L. Plumb and Betsey Devine, both of Bethanv. 



VITAL STATISTICS, 55 

BAPTISMS. 

1836. 

May 15, Daniel Harison and Lucy Loisa, ch. of Daniel and Lucy 

Thomas. 
Sept. 4, Joseph Lockwood, son of Joseph and Nancy Bradley. 
4, Rebecca Simmons, dau. of Ransom and Alma Jeiles. 
15, Frances Harriet, dau. of Harry and Mayant L Thomas. 

1837. 
March 20, Ada Maria, (col.) dau. of Philip Sampson. 
May II, James Theodore, son of Return and Janet Durand. 
June 4, John Mather, son of Abram and Harriet Beecher. 
4, Edwin Abijah, son of A. P. and Sarah R. Judd. 
4, Dwight Eley, son of Leonard and Julia Todd. 
4, Edward, son of Henry A. and Samantha Carrington. 
4, Hobart, son of E. S. and Loisa Sperry. 
4, Sylvia Maria, son of Jesse A. and Mary Ann Doolittle. 
Sept. 17, Franklin Kirk, son of A. T. and Mary Beecher. 

17, Frederic (Humphreysville), son of Isaac and Susan Prince. 
Dec. 17, Harison Smith and Charles Leonard, ch. of A. L. and 
Mary S. Judd. 

1838. 
Feb. 8, Lucia Angeline. dau. of Harry and Lucy Hicox. 

8, Eliza Ann, dau. of David Allen. 
July 22, Laura, dau. of Andrew and Hannah Beecher. 

22, Wales Herbert, son of Charles and Julia French. 
Aug. 26, Polly Salina and Harry Russell, ch. of Beri E. and Mary 
Beecher. 
26, Jesse Burton, son of Jesse A. and Mary A. Doolittle. 
Oct. 14, Mary Grant, dau. of Rev. J. H. and Mary A. Rouse. 

14, Mary Samantha, dau. of Harry A. and Samantha Car- 
rington. 

1S39. 
March 4, Leonard Lewis, Cyrus, Nancy Maria, and Cloe, ch. of 
Cyrus D. and C. Carrier, (col.) 

29, Isaac Leverett, son of Allen B. and Laura Curtiss. 

1842. 
March 24, Harriet Emily, dau. of Sidney Downs. 

24, Laura D. Perkins, dau. of Guy and Laura Perkins. 
24, Julia Ann Judd, dau. of wid. S. R. Judd. 



56 BETHANY. 

March 24, Henry Hooker, son of Jared and Amy Hotchkiss. 

24, Lewis E. Doolittle, son of Allen and Mary Ann Doolittle, 

1843. 
March 27, Harriet Amanda Hoadley. 
June 18, Margaret Celia Thomas, dau, of Hez. and Margaret Thomas. 

18, Jasper Bryan Todd, son of Leonard and Julia Todd. 
Aug. 13, Evelyn Ogilvie Pardee, son of Edwin and C. Pardee. 

13, Sarah Victoria and Cloe Cordelia Tuttle, ch. of Charles 

and S. Tuttle. 

13, Urban Evander, son of George and L. H. Hotchkiss. 

13, Nelson Newton, son of Beri E. and Mary Beecher. 

13, Eunice Amanda Chatfield. 

F844. 
Oct. 13, Caroline Ella Perkins, dau. of Gu}^ and Laura Perkins. 

13, Homer Guy Perkins, son of Wales and Eliza Perkins. 

13, James Seymour Tuttle, son of Chas. Tuttle and wife. 

1845. 
Henry Allen Doolittle, son of Allen and Mary Doolittle. 

1846. 
Feb. 8, Hannah Sherman Prince, son of Nathan and Hannah 

Prince. 
July 26, Julia Almira Sampson, (col.) dau. of Philip and Betsey 

Sampson. 
Oct. 4, Lines Prince, son of Hannah Prince. 

1847- 
March i. Guy, son of Mary and Silas Woodin. 
Deer. 29, Princetta Maria, dau. of Edwin and Carohne Pardee. 

1848. 
June 4, John Fan, (b. Aug. 15, 1845.) William, (b. Oct. 30, 1846,) 

ch. of William and Louise Weightman. 
July 16, Isaac Lewis, (b. May 24, 1837;) Ellen Jane, (b. Oct. 24, 
1838;) and Catherine Emily, (b. Aug. 15, 1842) ch. of Enos and 

Rosetta Sperry. Parents and Sponsors. 

Sept. 3, Mary Adelia Sperry, (b. Jan. 30, 1831,) Lydia Maria Sperry. 
3, Dolly Eliza Sperry, (b. Sept. 6, 1834,) 
3, Martha Louisa Sperry, (b. Aug. 8, 1837,) 
3, Margaret LydiaSperry,(b.Dec.3i. 1840, ) 
3, Allen Sperry, (b. Jan. 9, 1839,) 
3, Amelia Marilla Sperry, (b, Sept. 8, 1842,) 



VITAL STATISTICS. 57 

Parents, Sponsors and Witnesses. 

Herbert Willard, b. Jan. 31, 1839, Lysias and Lucy Beecher, grand- 
parents, acting as sponsors. 

Frederick Beri, b. Nov. i, 1846, Beri E. and Mary N. Beecher. 

Leonard Wales, b. March 3, 1847, Jesse A. and Mary Ann DooHttle. 

Robert Horace Tolles, b. April 4, 1840. 

Frank Wooster Tolles, b. August 29. 1844. 

Caroline Tolles and Edwin Pardee. 
Sept. 3, 1848. 

Josephine Adelaide, b. July 31, 1842, dau. of Chas. and Hannah 
Thomas, the mother standing as sponsor. 

Eunice Hotchkiss, adult. 1 Children of Jairus and Eunice 

Philo Delos, b. Dec. 7, 1839. \ Hotchkiss, the mother stand- 

Edward Lester, b. Dec. 11, 1840. r ing as sponsor, with her sister, 

Juliet Christina, b. Aug. 21, 1843. I Rosetta Sperry, who was also 

Jane Dealt, b. Sept. 5, 1845. | her witness. 

Henry D. Beecher. b. May 10, 1839. ) 

Frances A. Beecher, b. 1841. r Lucy L Beecher. 

Emerette A. Beecher, b. Feb. 3, 1843. ) 

Anna Eliza Clark, an adult, her brother. C. F. Clark, witness. 

Oct. 8, 1848. 

Charry E. Beecher, b. Jan. 14, 1845. Lucy I. Beecher. 

Ellen Josephine Smith, March 9, 1841. Grandparents, Pulaski and 
Amanda Chatfield, sponsors. 

Mary A. Judd, b. Dec. i, 1842, Asahel Leonard and Mary Eliz- 
abeth Judd. 

Dennis Nehemiah Wooding, b. Oct. 5, 1834. Mary Wooding. 

Charles Edwin Wooding, b. Feb. 11, 1838. 

Caroline Lucina Hotchkiss, b. Dec. 1844, Jared and Amy Hotchkiss. 

Sarah Jennett Perkins, b. May 15, 1840. Mary Ann Perkins. 

Mary Grace Perkins, b. December 28, 1847. 

Julia Ella Perkins, b. March 5. 1848. Isaac and Emily Perkins. 

Oct. II, 1848, By the Rev. Jacob L. Clark of Waterbury and the 

Rev. David Sanf ord of Oxford, at the request of the Rector of Ch. Ch. 

William Wrightman Zell, b. Aug. 10, 1848. Henry and Mary Zell. 

Nov. 19. Lowly Jane Sanford. an adult. A. A. Perkins and Mrs. 

Jesse Doolittle standing as witnesses. 
Aug. iQ, 1849, Samuel Herbert Beecher, b. March 25, 1849, 

Beri E. and Mary M. Beecher. 



58 BETHANY. 

Parents, Sponsors and Witnesses. 

Lucius Russell, an adult. 

Elizabeth L. Russell, an adult. 

Grace Ermina Russell, b. Dec. 27, 1842. | Children of Lucius and 

Adelia Ann Russell ,b. Nov. 19, 1848, j" Eliz. L. Russell. 

Dwight Collin Lines, b. May 14, 1845. 

Harriet Amelia Wheeler, ch. of Orrin and Mary A. Wheeler. 

Nancy Ellen Hitchcock, b. Feb. 17, 1838, 

Ira Perkins and wife, grandparents. 
Watrous Tolles, b. Feb. 23, 1846. Julia A. Tolles. 

Otis Bird Beecher, b. Nov. 13, 1848, Guy and Sarah Ann Beecher 



Oct. 15, Eliza M. Tolles, b. Feb. 21, 1840, 

Isaac B. and Maria Tolles. 
1850. 
Feb. 17, Mary Louisa Prince, b. July 6, 1849. 

Nathan and Hannah Prin.ce. 
April 6, Wales C. Perkins, b. Aug. 8, 1849. 

Wales F. and Maria L. Perkins. 
April 21, Marcia L. Perkins, an adult. Guy Perkins and his wife. 
April 21, Lovenia Sperry, an adult. G. Perkins and Mary Zell. 

Sept. 9, Eugene Walter Nettleton, b. March 22. 1850, 

R. C. Nettleton and his wife Louisa. 
Sept. 22, Jennett Frances Wheeler, b. June 6, 1850, 

Noyes and Charry S. Wheeler. 
Sept. 22, Eliza Emily Perkins, b. July 28, 1849, 

Isaac and Emily Perkins. 
Sept. 22, Almeda E. Buckingham, b. May 7, 1844. 

Olin Dwight Buckingham, b. Sept. 23, 1847. 

Buel and Henrietta Buckingham. 
Dec. 23, John Wells Wheeler, b. Oct. 18, 1850, 

Orrin and Mary A. Wheeler. 
Sept. 22, James Burr Perkins, b. Oct. 3. 1841. Mary Ann Perkins 
Thomas Charles Perkms, b. Jan. 27, 1844. 
1851. 
August 10. William Hasen Perkins, b. April 16, 1851. 

Wales Ford, and Maria L. Perkins. 
August 10, Jane Ella Hotchkiss, b. March 8. 1851. 

Anna and Elizabeth Hotchkiss. 



VITAL STATISTICS. .^9 

Parents, Sponsors and Witnesses- 

Aug. 31, Walter Augustus Pinkham, b. Mar. 12, 1851, son of Na- 
thaniel J. and Elizabeth Pinkham. 

The mother and Wm. Paterson sponsors. 
May 9, 1852. Henry Morrison Hull, b. Oct. 30, 1851. Morrison C. 

Hull and wife and Edwin Pardee. 
August 22, Frederick Willie Beecher, Nov. 24, 185 1. Beri E, and 

Mary M. Beecher. 
August 22, Marion Cornelia Tuttle, b. Nov. 13, 185 1. Charles and 

J. Tuttle. 
May 2, 1853, Laura McClure, b. 20 Feb. 1853, William and Han- 
nah McClure. 

Amasa Brooks Mr. B. Morrison C. Hull. 

Wales Dickerman Mr. D. Beri E. Beecher. 

1854- 
May 16, Mary Grace Pierpont, (private sick adult) Mother and 

Mrs. H. Townsend, witnesses. 
June 25, Edward Scovill Morrison Perkins, mother and M. C. Hull 

sponsors. 
June 25, Marv Jennette Bronson, b. Oct. 24, 1853. Parents and M. 

C. Hull sponsors. 
June 25, E. Perkins Parents and 

August 13, Foster Beecher Hull, 9 mos. old, Parents and Edwin 

Pardee. 
August 13, Amelia Carrington Perkins, 2}i yrs. old. Parents and 

Edwin Pardee. 
August 13, Howard French Perkins, 4 mos. old. Parents and Ed- 
win Pardee. 
Oct. 22, Mary Jane Beecher, adult. Husband and Mrs. Nelson 

Clark witnesses. 

Baptisms during the Rectorship of Rev. John Adams. 

1851. 
March 27, Helen Josephine, Ellen Justine, b. March 11, 1848, twin 
daughters of Samanthia Carrington. Sponsors, the niother 
and Mrs. Theophilus Smith. 

May 31st. 
Carrie Eliza, b. July 17, 1856. 

The parents, Morrison C. and Eliza T. HuU. 



6o BETHANY. 

Parents. Sponsors and Witnesses. 

Jane Rebecca, b. June 23, 1856, Wales F. and Maria S. Perkins. 

Sponsor, Mrs. Laura Perkins. 
Sheldon, b. Sept. 21, 1855. The parents, Charles and Anna Clarke. 

Mary Maria b^April 24, 1853. j The parents, Orrin and Mary A. 
Celia Ella, b. Oct. 14, 1854. >• .^,, , , ,, a t t jj 

Christina Jane, b. July 27, 1856. j Wheeler and Mrs. A. L. Judd. 

Adna Todd, b. May 21, 1856. The parents, Isaac and Emily Per- 
kins, and Samuel Todd. 
Julia Abby, b. Aug. 8, 1856. Daughter of Charles and Mary Ann 
Perkins. Sponsor, the mother. 

Almira Downes, wife of Eben Downes, an adult. 

Witness, Mrs. Enos Perkins. 
Amra Clark, wife of C. F. Clark, an adult. 

Witness. Mrs. Charles French. 
George Warner Woodward, an adult. 1 Dr. A. C. Woodward, Ed- 
Edward Prindle Woodward an adult. I win Pardee, Mrs. Wood- 
Lewis Dexter Lounsbury. an adult. \ "^^'^^ /^- ^- Perkms, Mrs. 
T \nT\i- -n .L.L1 J 1.. J- A. Lounsbury and Gil- 
Leroy William Tuttle, an adult. j ^ert Davidson. 

Mar. 6, 1858. 
James Edward, b. Feb. 18, 1858. Son of William and Hannah Mc- 
Clure (in private, being ill.) (Private office.) 
June 10, i860. 
Sarah Ann, wife of Street B. Todd. 

Addie Maria, infant daughter of Street B. and Sarah Ann Todd. 
Witnesses, parents and wife of Leonard Todd. 

Seymour Gilbert, infant son of Baldwin of Madison. 

Feb. II, 1861. 
Francis, infant son of F. Breekle, (private bap.) Woodbridge. 

June 30th. 
George Truman, son of Chas. F. Clark. Parents sponsors. 

George Bird, son of Geo. Hotchkiss. 

Lillie May and Kate Alice, daughters of Mrs. Emma Patterson. 

Mrs. Camp and Mrs. Patterson sponsors. 

Richard, son of Wm. McClure, parents sponsors 

Adeline Julia, daughter of Orson Wheeler. Parents. 

Kate Augusta, daughter of F. S. Woodward and granddaughter of 

the Rector. Mrs. F. B. Woodward and Miss L. Beecher. 



VITAL STATISTICS. 6l 

Parents. Sponsors and Witnesses. 

Mary Jane, daughter of Lucius Russell. Parents. 

Frank Beecher, son of G. B. Johnson. Parents, E. Pardee. 

Clifton Tolles, son of De ttte E. Downs. 

E. Pardee, Polly Tolles, De Ette Downs. 
Margaret Benecia, daughter of Noyes Wheeler. Parents. 

Oct. 13, 1861. 
Emma Almira, daughter of F. S. and Helen Woodward. Parents. 

May 4, 1862. 
Marietta, daughter of Sylvia M. Doolittle. Mother, L. Perkins and 

Mrs. F. B. Woodward. 
Dec. 25, Mary Jennett, daughter of Henry R. and Esther Beecher. 

Parents and Mrs. A. Woodward. 
In Christ Church, Sunday, August 20th, 1865. 
Frederick James, b. 4th April 1861, son of Anne Melissa and James 
H. Holmes. Sponsors, S. Gilbert Davidson, Henry R. At- 

water, and the mother. 

Henry Todd, b. May 16, 1861. son of Maria Lucinda and Wales F. 

Perkins. Sponsors, Guy Perkins and the parents. 

Geo. Theodore, b. Sept. 26, 1858, son of Lucy Lovisa and Jarvis 

Theodore Bronson. Sponsors, Charles F. Clark, Wm. B. 

Dickerman, and the mother. 
Mar. 7, 1869. 
Lydia Amanda, b. Mar. 25, 1866, daughter of George W. and Mar- 
garet L. Woodward. 

Sponsors, parents and Miss Sarah L. Atwater. 

Ella Sarah, b. Sept. 11, 1866, daughter of Street B. and Sarah A. 

Todd. Sponsors, the parents and Mrs. Orrin Wheeler. 

Mar. 21, 1869. 

Maud Genevieve, b. Oct. 18, 1868. daughter of Horatio Nelson and 

Laura De Etta Clark, of Prospect. 

Sponsors, Mrs. Sarah L. Atwater, the mother, and Guy Perkins. 

1870. 
June 5, William Irvng. son of Leroy Wm. and Lovena Maria Tuttle. 

Sponsors, parents and Mrs. Sanford. 
June 5, Lucy Irene, daughter of Stiles C. Williams. 

Sponsors, parents. 

June 5, Fannie Grace, daughter of Evelyn O. and Martha L. Pardee. 

Sponsors, the parents and Mrs. Lydia N. Sperry. 



62 BETHANY. 

Parents, Sponsors and Witnesses. 

Aug, 14, Charles Willard, son of Edward C. and Lucy E. Gulp of 
Norwalk, Ohio, b. Jan. i, 1869. 

Sponsors, Mrs. Esther Punderson and the mother. 
1871. 
April 16, Theodore James and Minnie Amelia, children of Wales 
Clark. 

Sponsors, the mother and Evelyn O. and Martha L. Pardee. 
April 30, Polly Maria Talmage, an adult. 

Witnesses, Mr. Geo. Hotchkiss and Mrs. Martha L. Pardee. 
May 12, 1872, Mary Amelia Beecher, an adult. 

Witnesses, Evelyn Pardee, Mrs. Sperry, Mrs. Evelyn Pardee. 



Adults Baptized in Christ Church since Easter, 1836. 
May 15, 1836, Daniel Thomas, at his house. 

1837- 
Feb. 28, Mary Ives, wife of Lewis Doolittle 
March 20, Bennett Whiticus, (col.) 
June 4, Hulda Allen. 
Oct. 8, Sarah Robbins, wife of A. P. Judd. 

Jennette, wife of Newel Lounsbury. 
May 28, 1843, Lucy Hoadley, wife of Garry Hoadley ; Elizabeth 

Perkins, Pamelia J. Chatfield. 
1844. Julia Ann Chapman, Ghas. F. Clark, Lucy Louisa Beecher. 
Oct. 17, 1846, Ira Perkins, Laura Hotchkiss, Lucretia Lines, Emily 

Castle. Julia A. Castle, Hannah I. Perkins, Angeline Hitchcock. 
May 28, 1859, Henry W. Brown. 
June 10, i860, Sarah Ann, wife of Street B. Todd. 
June 30, 1861, Anna Eliza Deming, Laura Anna Hitchcock, Huldah, 

wife of G. Beecher Johnson, Deette Eliza Downs. 
April 27, 1862, Estella Augusta Driver, Polly Tcressa Stidman (col.) 
May 22, 1864, James Harlan Craw, Lovena Maria Tuttle. 
Aug. 13, 1865, Mrs. Martha Lucinda, wife of James H. Craw. 

Louisa, daughter of Ezra Stiles. 

Juliet Elizabeth, daughter of Louisa Sperry. 
Aug, 18, 1865, Annie Melissa, wife of J. H. Holmes. 
June 13, 1866, Charles Thomas, aged 66 years. Clinic baptism, he 

being confined to the bed with sickness. 



VITAL STATISTICS. ^3 

April 28, 1866, Belinda Catherine, wife of Andrew T. Hotchkiss ; 

Christina Elizabeth, wife of Edward Beecher; Rosette Amanda 

and Kate Emeline, daughters of Dr. A. C. Woodward; Sarah 

Jane, wife of S. Gilbert Davidson. 

May 5, 1867, Mrs. Hannah, relict of the late Major Lounsbury ; 

Sarah Jane, daughter of William Burnham. 
Sept. 20, 1868, Eveline Augusta, daughter of Frederick and Rhoda 

Tuttle, born July 28, 1850. 
Sept. 26, 1868, Mrs. Rosella, wife of Theron Allen. 
March 14, 1869, Edson Jesse, son of Howel Beecher. 

1872. 
June 16, Agnes May Tuttle, dau. of Leroy W. and Lovena M. Tuttle. 
June 16, Herbert Coram, son of Eneas and Alice Coram. 
June 16, Walton Perkins Clark, son of Horatio N. and Laura De 

Ette Clark. 
June 26, Tyler Daniel Davidson, son of Cilbert S. and Sarah Jane 

Davidson. 
Dec. 7, Adelia May Hotchkiss. daughter of Harpin and Charlotte 

E. Hotchkiss. 
Dec. 7, Fanny Maria Baldwin, child of Polly and Henry T. Bald- 
win. 

1875. 
Mar. 21, Ray Carrington French, son of Herbert French. 

BAPTISMS BY C. W. COLTON. 
N. ii.— The infant and adult baptisms are from this date included in the same list. 

1876, Jan. 16, Grace Emma Bradley, daughter of Henry B. and 
Polly Maria Bradley. 

1877- 
April 8, Martha Grace Sperry, adult, daughter of Allyn and Grace 

E. Sperry. 
May 20, Ida Sarah, daughter of Stiles C. and Ellen H. Williams. 

Walter Stiles, son of Stiles C. and Ellen H. Williams. 

Leta Tolles, daughter of Edward and Christina Beecher. 

Ida May, daughter of Henry W. and Mrs. Sarah B. Brown. 

1878. 
April 21, Emma Aminta, daughter of Frederick A. and Celia E. 
Perry. 



64 BETHANY. 

June 9, Mary Ann Beecher, an adult, daughter of Wm- and Eliza- 
beth Basham. 

Nathan French Mansfield, an adult, son of Stephen and 
Amy Mansfield. 

Georgiana Bunnell, an adult, daughter of George and 
Jane Bunnell. 
Sept. 15, Lilah Lydia. daughter of Dennis and Sarah V. Tuttle. 

Charles Seymour Tuttle, son of Dennis and Sarah V. 

Tuttle Megin. 

Nelson Newton, son of Henry R. and Esther J. Beecher. 

Edwin George, son of Evelyn O. and Martha L. Pardee. 

Clarence Garry, son of David F. and Amelia M. Smith. 

William Sperry, son of David F. and Amelia M. Smith. 

1879. 
May 4, Katie Irene, an adult, daughter of Harpin H. and Charlotte 
E. Hotchkiss. 
Ida Estella, an adult, daughter of Harpin H. and Charlotte 
E. Hotchkiss. 
Mays, Monday, Helen Matilda, daughter of Clarence W. and Cora 
D. Colton. Baptized by the Bishop, the Rt. Rev. J. Wil- 
liams, D. D., L. L. D., at his visitation of the parish. The 
first baptism in the new Font, which was placed in the 
Church this day. 
Oct. 19, Rollin Frederick, son of Frederick W. and Mary A. Beecher. 
June 6, Jennie Frances, daughter of Frederick A. and Celia E. 
Perry. 

1880. 
June 27, Daisy Etta, child of Samuel A. and Charlotte F. Wood- 
ward. 
July 2S, Rachel Prindle and Grace Sylvia, children of Dr. J. N. 
and Rachel P. Parker, Woodbridge. 



FUNERALS ATTENDED IN THE PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH, 

BETHANY, SINCE EASTER. 

1836. 

April 10, Juliette, daughter of Levi Peck, 13. 
April 20. Catherine F'rench, 8. 
April 26, Rebecca Collins. 43. 



VITAL STATISTICS. 65 

July 17, Laura Tolles, 32. 

Aug. 16, Ery Lounsbury, 64. 

Sept. 23, James E., son of Eli Carley, 2. 

Oct. 3, Abber Lines, Jun., 44. 

Oct. 19, Jay, son of Jared Allen. 3. 

Dec. 2, Noyes Sperry, 34. 

Dec. 15, Sarah Jane, daughter of Eli Terrell, 4. 

1837. 
Jan. 10, Cloe Bradley, 55. 

Jan. 22, John Ferdinand, son of the Rev. J. H. Rouse, i/^. 
Jan. 24, Jane, child of Lewis Tolles, i. 
Jan. 25, Nancy Johnson, 38. 
March 19, Obadiah Lounsbury, 42. 
April I, Betsey S. Hotchkiss, 71. 
April 24, Nancy Terrell, 39. 
May 12, Nathan Beers, 75. 
June 3, Jennette Durand, 21. 
June 8, Burton, son of Silas Wooding, 5. 
June 15, Isaac P., son of Jared Pritchard, 4. 
July I, Lucy Lounsbury, 34. 
Sept. 22, Enoch Newton, 65. 

1838. 
Jan. 15, Reuben Hicox, 42. 

March 10, Sally Hotchkiss, 70. 

23, John Wilmot, 60. 

May I, Caleb Doolittle, 65. 

Sept. 16, Nancy Bradley, 15. 

Oct. 12, Ezra Sperry, 72. 

15, Henry Sanford, 41. 

Nov. 21, Wallace, son of Stiles Russell, i. 

1839. 
Jan. 17, Thankful Terrell, 88. 

March 24, Cyrus D. Carrier, Col. C, 38. 

April 10, Rhoda Doolittle, 64. 

13, Allen Thomas, 49. 

24, Hannah Lounsbury, 69. 
June 9, Mary Castle, 29. 

20, Leonena Lewis, dau. of C. D. Carrier, 11. 
July 9, Elisha Hotchkiss, 72. 



56 BETHANY. 

July 13. Cyrus, son of C. D. Carrier, 9. 
Oct. 13, Lucy Sperry, 51. 

1840. 
Jan. 8, Wm. D. Purdy, 80. 

28, Nancy Maria (colored), 7. 
May 17, Maria Sperry, 28. 
July 4, Reuben Judd. 69. 
Nov. 10, Dolly Chatfield, Mrs., 56. 

1841. 
Jan. 12, Daniel Thomas. 57. 
April 14. Mary Hawley. S3- 

23, Sarah Buckingham, Mrs., -]-]. 
May 12, Jared Tolles, 89. 
July 19, Clarissa Doolittle, 60. 

Dec. 28, Abijah P. Judd. 37- 

1842. 

Feb. 12. William H. Thomas, 18. 
March 2, Archibald Perkins. 83. 

4, Ephraim L. Perkins, 32. 
May 29, Pena Lounsbury, 68. 

Stephen Hotchkiss, 42. 
Aug. 29. Silliman Hotchkiss, 57. 
Sept. 24, Juliet Sperry. 4- 
Oct. 9, Jesse Hitchcock. 47. 

L. B. Whitticus (colored). 26. 
Mrs. SiUiman Hotchkiss. 53. 

1843- 
Feb. 6. Mrs. Harmon Allen, 49. 
13, John Woodin, 70. 
15, David Downs, 57. 
March ii, Julia Morris. 48. 

12, W. H, Burnham, 11. 
Daniel Russell, 67. 
Wm. Woodin. 
April 7, child of Edwin Lines, 1 yr. 9 mo. 

Wid. Russia (colored), 80. 
Sept.. Capt. Chauncey Tuttle, 72. 

1844- 
Feb. I. Elizabeth Brown. 70. 
8. Isaac Sperry. 84. 



VITAL STATISTICS. 67 

Feb. II, Mrs. Felix Downs, 79. 
22, Eber Lines, 89. 

22, Whitticus (colored), 63. 

May 18, Miss Polly Hitchcock, 61. 

Calvin Tuttle, 57. 
Sept. 8, Wid. Patience Jndd, 89. 
Ezra Kimberly, 81. 
Jehiel Castle, 34. 

1845. 
Wife of Noyes Hotchkiss, 20 or 21. 
April 7, Enos Beecher (suicide), 32. 
15, Hez. Thomas, 53. 
Mrs. Major Hotchkiss. 
Aug., Benjamin Perkins. 

Child of Horace Tolles. 
Child of Nehemiah Tolles. * 

Anna Doolittle. 

8, Child of Sheldon Allen, 17 months. 
24, Child of Curtiss Tolles, 8 months. 
Sept. 9. Hezekiah Brown, 67. 
Dec, Child of Jesse Hotchkiss, 5. 

1846. 
Aug. 29, Stiles Hotchkiss. 
Sept. 28, Sarah Perkins. 
Oct. 4, Luther Smith, 48. 

7, Lines Prince, Infant, 
Nov. 21, Edwin Lines, 31. 
Dec. 31, David Beecher, 56. 

1847. 
Jan. II, Sarah Smith, 24. 

Feb. 22, Phenetta Andrew, 37. 

28, Hannah Hotchkiss, 80. 
March 12. Eli Todd, 75. 

April 30, Sally Lounsbury, ']']. 
May 29, Chloe Tuttle, 5. 
Sept. 12. Adelia Thomas, 18. 
19, Horace Tolles, 46. 

29, Reuben Doolittle, 76. 
Oct. 16, Abel Prince, 57. 



68 BETHANY. 

Nov. 5, Stephen Hotchkiss, 88. 

Ellen Tolles, 15 months. 
Dec. 6, Eliza Perkins, 27. 

1848. 
Feb. 5, Felix Downs, 89. 
May 6, Jane Kimberly of Woodbridge, 31. 

21, Lyman Tuttle of Hamden, 86. 

27, Betsey Underville (colored), 39. 
July 13, Garry Sperry, 40. 
Aug. 23, Isaac B. Brooks, 27. 
Sept. 21, Rebecca Perkins, Hamden, 68. 

29, Benjamin Beers, 'j'j. 
Dec. II, Nathan R. Morris, 57. 

20, Sarah Beecher, 63. 

1849. 
Jan. 23, Eliakim Smith, child of Mr. Dickerman of Cheshire, 19 m. 
March 10, Abigail Sperry, from Oxford, 79. 
April 20, Solomon Hotchkiss, 93. 

29, Israel Thomas. 65. 
May 2, Eunice Perkins of Hamden, 73. 

18, Asaph Umberfield, 22. 

23, Amos Hitchcock, a Congregationalist, 87. 
July 26, Rebecca Umberfield, 69. 
Aug. 8, Anna Perkins, a Congregationalist, 78. 

16, S. Bird Woodward, son of Dr. A. C. Woodward, 7. 
31, AlansonTuttle of Hamden, 49. 
Sept. 5, Mrs. E. Russia, 48. 

9, Howard Wales, son of Wales F. Perkins, 20 months. 
18, Lewis Lines, 57. 
Oct. I, S. E. Collins, daughter of Jeremiah Collins, 5. 

16, Jeremiah Sperry, 60. 

17, Eliza M. Tolles, daughter of Isaac B. Tolles, 20 months. 

19, Major D. Collins, son of Jeremiah Collins, 6. 
25, Sally Morriss, 59. 

Nov. 23, Stephen Wooding, 64. 

1850. 
March i, Hobart B. Tuttle, 20. 
April 3, Amarilla Sanford, 70. 
5, Patty Sperry, 65. 



VITAL STATISTICS. "9 

April 7. Benjamin Collins, 83. 

8, Wales G. Perkins, son of Wales E. Perkins, 8 months. 
May 4, Charles Johnson, 30. 

June 25, Frederick Beri, son of Beri F. Beecher, 4. • 
July 30, Jane K. Perkins, 27. 

Sept. II, Eugene Walter, son of R. O. Nettleton of N. H., 6 months. 
Oct. 3, Watrous Tolles, son xjf Curtis Tolles, 5. 
Nov. ji, Sarah Johnson, 63. 

1851. 
Julv I, Major Hotchkiss, 63. 
August 16, Child of Allen Hitchcock, 8. 

Sept. 20, Frank S. Alaby, child of Mrs. Harrison Thomas, 2. 
22, Augustus Castle, 44. 
Lyman Downs, 72. 
Anna Eliza Clark, 25. 
Eber Hotchkiss, 55. 

1852. 
Levi Peck, 71. 

Infant child of I. Ford, i month. 
Orrin Hine, 51. 
Jeremiah Camp, 60. 
Fanny Prince, 58. 
Eliza A. Hitchcock, 40. 
May 2. Caroline Hotchkiss, wife of Jesse Hotchkiss. 34. 

22, Truman Terrvll. 67. 

23. Betsey Bradley, 33. 

August 6, Lois Perkins, wife of A. A. Perkins, 51. 
Sept. 21, Mrs. Race, 26. 
Nov. 21, John Andrew, 22. 
Dec. II, Maria Lyons, 46. 

1853. 
Feb. 12, Jane Eliza Beecher, daughter of Milo Beecher, ^3. 
April 20, Dr. Jehiel Castle, 81. 
May 17, Anna Wooding, 79. 
July 5, Nancy Sanford, 76. 
Aug. 26, Harriet French, 62. 
Sept. 14, Nehemiah Tolles, 43. 
Oct. 18, Celia Sperry, 21. 
Oct. 30, Silas Wooding, t;o. • 



Oct. 


14. 


Nov. 


15. 




28, 


Jan. 


17. 


Feb. 


14. 


Marc 


:h5, 




7. 




9. 




29, 



70 BETHANY. 

FUNERALS ATTENDED BY THE REV. H. TOWNSEND. 

April I, Widow Anna Woodin, 92. 

May 7, Widow Rhoda Wheeler (Congregationalist), 72. 

9, Lysias Beecher, wife of Allen Doolittle. 
July 4, Mrs. Mary Ann Doolittle, buried July 6, 40. 

25, Mary Grace Pierpont, wife of W. S Pierpont, 20. d. July 25. 
August 4, Alexis Rosha (Mulatto). 55, d. 3d. 

August 8, Emerit Brown, daughter of Mrs. Eunice Brown, 27, d. 7th. 
25, Jared Hotchkiss, 50, d. 24th. 

27, Mrs. Wd. Lucy Beecher, relict of Lysias B., 71, d. 26th. 
Sept. I, Tenta Lines, wife of Abel Lines, 68, d. Aug. 31st. 

I, Mary E., daughter of Geo. Driver, West Haven, 14 months. 

12, Mrs. Polly A. Sackett, wife of Sackett, 80, d. 11. 

Oct. 5, Mrs. Anna Lines, relict of Abel Lines, 95 years and 1 1 
months, d. 3d. 
26, Josephine L. Hubbell, child of Joseph O. Hubbell, 15 

months, d. 25th. 
30, Emma E., child of Joseph O. Hubbell, 3, d. 28th. 
Nov. 2, Mrs. Huldah Sperry, wifeofChas. Sperry, 68, Woodbridge, 
d. Oct. 31st. 
16, James Driver, 'j'j, d. 14th. 
Dec. 20. Frederick, infant son of Neh'h Andrew, 10 months, d. 19th. 



FUNERALS DURING THE MINISTRY OF REV. CHARLES J. TODD. 

1855. 

Feb. 28. Jane A. Scoville, daughter of Chester and Minerva Scovill, 

23, d. 26th. 
March i, Edward Charles, son of Charles and Hannah Thomas, 23. 
April 3, Frances May, daughter of Isaac and Emily Perkins, 3. 

27, Rhoda Hotchkiss, wife of Spencer Hotchkiss, 52. 

16, Julia Ella, daughter of Isaac and Emily Perkins, 7. 

18, Zephaniah Downs, 72. 

23, Samuel Herbert, son of Beri E. and Marv M. Beecher, 7. 
May 24, Jane Ella, daughter of Adna and Elizabeth Hotchkiss, 6. 
August 24, Howard French, infant son of Wales French Perkins 

and Maria Lucy Perkins, i year and 4 months. 
Sept. 9, Henry A. Carrington, 47. 

24. Seymour Tuttle, 71, d. 23d. 
Nov. 24, Dennis Beecher, son of Andrew Beecher, 31. d. 22d. 



VITAL STATISTICS. 7^ 

Nov. 26, Mary Hitchcock, wife of Isaac Hitchcock, d. 22d. 
Dec. 8, Mrs. Thirza Lines, 64. - 

24, Hoel Beecher, son of Jesse Beecher, 45. 

1856. 
Jan. 3, Ichabod Umberfield, 71. 

II, Polly Russell, wife of John Russell, 54. 
Feb. 10, Jesse Doolittle 78, d. 8th. 
March 16, Albert J. Craw, son of James H. and Frances J. Craw, 8. 

FUNERALS DURING THE RECTORSHIP OF REV. JAMES ADAMS, COM- 
MENCING OCT. 7, 1856. 
Oct. 14, Harriet Maria, daughter of Daniel W. and Henrietta Rus- 
sell, 18 months. 

1857- 
Feb. 10, Asaph French of Prospect, aged 72. 
March 15, Mrs. Deming, 50. 

31, Mabel Morris, wife of Chauncey Morris, 29. 
May 13, Ira Perkins, 68. 

August 15, Sarah Ann Beecher, wife of Guy Beecher, 32. 
23, Harriet Thomas, wife of Leveret Thomas, 56. 
Oct. 5, Dorcas Judd, 96. 
Nov. 2, Mary A. Beecher, wife of Wm. S. Beecher of Prospect, 27. 

7, Bede Todd, mother of Leonard Todd, 78. 
Dec. 21, Verus Candee, 76. 

1858. 
Jan. 15, Mrs. Esther Marks, 64. 

30, Asena Perkins, 91. 
Feb. 20, Allen Hitchcock. 



FUNERALS BY F. B. W. 

Child of Daniel Tolles (Woodbridge). 

Charles Thrall (Prospect), 53. 
July 18, Philo Hotchkiss, Bethany. 
Sept. 26, Julia A. Sampson (colored), 14. 

1859. 
Jan, 7, Mary Lounsbury, 83. 
March 11, Eliakim Smith, 74. 
April 21, Lydia Nettleton, 63. 
May 29, Joseph Bradley, j"]. 



72 BETHANY. 

Oct. I, Jeremiah Tultle. 44 
Nov. 12, Calvin Downs, 22. 

i860. 
Jan. 16, Isaac Terrill, 60. 

18, Northrop, 25. 

March 28, Harley Hotchkiss. 70. 
May 19, Harry French, 68. 
June 20, Charles L. Judd, 24. 
Nov. 20, Martha J. Beecher, 25. 
Dec. 16, John Clemens, 51. 

1861. t 

Jan. 26, Abner Warner of Hamden, 93. 
Feb. 7, Sheldon Wooding, 76. 
20, Micah Sperry, 80, 

28, Frank, son of Beecher Johnson, 7. 
March 15, Mrs. Olive Austin, 72. 

16, Francis, infant son of F. Breekle, Woodbridge, 2. 

17, Friend, son of Anon Atwater, 19. 
April 14, Melinda, relict of David Beecher, 69. 

18, Jane E. Doolittle (at Seymour), 25. 
May 19, Mrs. Elizabeth Driver, 66. 

29. Wid. Hitchcock, the mother of Beri E. Beecher, 84. 
June 14, Henry B. Lounsbury, 2. 

August 25, Adna Hotchkiss, 44. 
Sept. 22, Samuel Pelton, 26. 

24, Irvin Lounsbury, 18. 
Oct. 3. Mary L. Prince, 12. 
Nov. 18, Son of Noyes Johnson, 10 weeks. 

20, Mrs. Eunice Hotchkiss, 88. 
Dec. I. Wid. Ira Perkins, 70. 

1862. 

March 3, Capt. Jesse Beecher, TT. 

10, Mrs. Caroline Tolles, 56. 
April 16, William Donnell, 20. 
May 2, Althea Buckingham. 43. 
22, Leverett Thomas, 62. 
July 27, Alva Gaylord, 72. 
Sept. 22, Wid. Harvey Hotchkiss, ']']. 

27, Albert Eugene, son of James Craw, 5. 



VITAL STATISTICS. 



73 



Oct. 18, Mrs. Isaac Doolittle, 60. 
26, Wid. Mary Castle. 
29, Ellen Kimball, (Prospect) 19. 
Nov. 16, Mrs. James Patterson, 38. 

21, Mary S., wife of Herbert 
French, 25. 

1863. 
Jan. 6, Benjamin M. Collins, 72. 

16, Henrietta, wife of D. W. Rus- 
sell, 39. 

21, Edson Hotchkiss, 32. 
Feb. 8, John Wooding, 50. 
27, Orrin Hitchcock, 51. 
May 3, Major Lounsbury, 69. 
June 26, Isaac Hitchcock, 88. 

29, Nelson Newton Beecher, 20 yrs, 
8 mo., died at Annapolis, Md., 
soldier 27 Reg. C. V. 
Sept. 22, Roenna E. Thomas, 8 years, 
dau. of Daniel Harrison Thomas. 
Oct. 3, Betsey Perkins, wife of Beecher 
Hotchkiss and dau. of Guy Per- 
kins, 42. 
14, Henry French, 53. 
27, Marion Cornelia, 11 yrs., 11 mo., 
13 days, dau. of Charles Tuttle. 
Nov. 3, Enos Perkins, 70, nearly. 

10, Lucy, 51, wife of Garry Hoadley. 
18, Horace Preston, 55. 
1864. 
Mar. 9, Abel Linds. 76. 

12, Patty Hotchkiss, 81, sister of 
Abel Linds. 

13, John Hitchcock, 26. 

29, Patty Harris Hotchkiss, 71. 

29, Isa Annett, 11 years, dau. of 

Andrew Hotchkiss. 
May 6, Delia E., wife of John Wesley 

Weed, 36. 

17, Laura Woodin, dau. of Andrew 
and Hannah Beecher, 26. 

25, Cornelia Ella, wife of Henry 

Edward Lounsbury, 29. 
June 19, Netty, dau. of Charles Preston 

of Prospect, 6. 
Aug. 19, Ada Whiticus, (col'd) 88. 



Aug. 20, Abigal Hitchcock, 91. 

Oct. 5, Laura E. Doolittle, dau. of Al- 
fred Doolittle, 40. 
1865. 

Jan. 27, George Hotchkiss, 2d, 31. 

Feb. 19, Starr Sperry, son of Ezra Stiles 
Sperry, 24. 

Mar. 1, Daniel Lyne^, 65, a native of 
Ireland. 
13, Eugene Burton Castle, 18. 

17, Oliver Buckingham, 82. 

18, Alfred Crittenden, infant son of 
(late) Starr and Mary D. Sperry, 412 

months. 
Apr. 9, Philip Sampson, (col'd) 66. 

18, Laura May, dau. of Wales French 
and Maria Lucinda Perkins, 11 mo. 
May 3, Ezra Stiles Sperry. 6G. 
Aug. 3, Eden Johnson, 85. 

38, Henry A. Doolittle of Wood- 
bridge, 20. married 9th Apr. last. 
Oct. 2, Mary Jane, dau. of Charles and 
Laura Austin, 5. 
22, Charity, wife of Wm. H. Louns- 
bury, dau. of Oliver Buckingham, 

Dec. 18, Mrs. Charlotte Woodin, 78, relict 

of the late Sheldon Woodin. 

1866. 

Feb. 15, Noyes Hotchkiss, 51. 

July 6, Mrs. Dolly Ehza, wife of Dr. 
Edward P. Woodward, 31 y,10 mo. 

Sept. 2, Freddie, son of Frederick and 
Harriet Amanda Warner, 3 y, 9mo. 
13, Jennett, wife of Newel Louns- 
bury, 63. 
26, Lemira Sherman, 85. 

Oct. 31, Beecher Hotchkiss, 53. 

Nov. 20, Mrs. Hannah Peck, 77. 

Feb. 18. Mrs. Huldah, wife of Ebenezer 
P. Parker in Woodbridge, 72. 

May 23, Esther, dau. of the late Oliver 
Buckingham, 61. 

June 27, Antoinette, wife of Dr. Ed- 
ward P. Woodward, 38. Ten 
weeks after marriage. 



74 



BETHANY. 



Sept. 29, Mrs. Sarah, relict of the late 
David Downs, 85. 
1868. 
Jan. 2, Mrs. Betsey, relict of Jessie 
Doolittle, 86, d. Dec. 31, 1867. 
5, Alice Louisa, dau. of Andrew C. 
and Ruth Ann Brown, 2 yrs, 6 nio. 
Died 3rd. 
Feb. 5. Amanda, wife of Pulaski Chat- 

fleld. 74. 
Mar. 4, Elizabeth, relict of the late Jer 
erniah Camp of Prospect. 71. 
5, Israel Schofield, d. Feb. 29, 53 
years, late of Paris, N. Y. 
Apr. 29, Charles Seymour Tuttle, 52, d 27. 
May 24, Mrs. Clarinda, wife of Albert 
Hocidley. 78. 
24, Mrs. Fanny, relict of the late 
Amasa Brooks of Prospect, 82. 
July 18, Clark Seeley, 66, d. 17th. 
Dec. 19, Isaac Doolittle, 68, d. 17th. 
22, Merrit Sanford, 71, d. 20th. 
1869. 
Jan. 13, Abner Archibald Perkins, 84 
yrs., 4 mo , 24 days, d. 10th. 

Burials by Martin Moody. 
May 2, Mrs. Lucretia Gorham, wife of 

Eneas Gorham, 48, d. Apr. 30. 
July 23, Wm. McClure, 58, d. 21st. 
Aug. 19, Winthrop Dudley Wooding, 9 

days, d. 18th. 
Nov. 28, Mrs. Mary French. 

1870. 
Feb. 2, Mrs. Hnldah Johnson, wife of A. 

Beecher John.«;on, d. Jan. 3l.'*t. 
Dec. 28, Mrs. Elizabeth Andrew, 45. 

1871. 
Jan. 22. John Russel, 84 nearly, d. 19th. 
Apr. 13, Mrs. Nancy Bradley, 88. Fun- 
eral at the house of her son Marcus 
Bradley, d. lOth. 
16, Tubal Sanford, 88. 
Charles Thomas. 
Aug. 17, Ella Isabel Hotchkiss, 3y., 7 m. 
17, Clara Louisa Robertson, 6 m., 9d. 



Dec. 15, William Belany Dickerman, 63. 
81, Lucy Kimberly, 95. 
1872. 
Jan. 14, Horace Bushnell Osborn. 
Feb. 22, Ann Downs, 85. Funeral at the 

house of Alfred Doolittle 
Mar. 11, Chancey Burritt Tuttle, 78. 
July 14, Albert Hoadley, 81. Funeral at 
the house of Harpin Hotchkiss. 
Agnes May Tuttle. 
Oct. 6, Leroy W. Tuttle, 34. 
Nov. 8, Dianiha Pitcher. 
Dec. 5, John Jackson Donell. 
11, Charley E. Donell. 
1873. 
Jan. 4, Adella May Hotchkiss. 
May 13, Mrs. Sarah E. Tolles, 66. 
14, Mr. Alonzo Sperry, 59. 

26, Mrs. Celestia Terrill, 63. 

June 29, Mrs. Thirza Bradley of Pros- 
pect, 81. 

July 7, Charles Gay Lounsbury, 44. 

25, Grace A. Woodin, Woodbridge, 
infant daughter of Lambert Wood- 
in, 6 mo., 1 d. 

29, Mrs. Abigail B. Umberfleld, 
Prospect, 65. 

30, Minnie Sarah Williams, infant 
daughter of Stiles C. Williams. 

Sept. 1, Wales Henry Perkins, son of 
Homer Perkins, 9 mo. 

1874. 

Jan. 25, EberE. Downs, Woodbridge, 58. 

Feb. 17, Grin Wheeler, 60. 

Apr. 5, Mrs. Laura Perkins, wife of Wil- 
lis Perkins, 64. 
22, Jared Allen, "81. 

May 9, Mrs. Louis Andrews, relict of 
Job Andrews, 77. 

Aug. 13, Merit Wooding, of Straits- 
ville, 53. 
17, Mrs. Augusta Smith, 64. 

Nov. 2, Mr. Curtiss Towles, 56. 

Dec. 21, Mrs. Sarah B. Carrington. 

27, Mr. Lyman Sperry. . 



VITAL STATISTICS. 



75 



1875. 



Jan. 26. Star Bradley Dickerman, son of 

Wales C. Dickerman, 2. 
Mar. 13, Charles Preston, 63. 

28, Ray Carrington French, 15. 

Funerals by C. W. Colton. 

Aug. 18, Jessie, dau. of Charles A. Rob- 
ertson, 11 days. 

1876. 

Jan. 28, Andrew Beecher, 75. 

Mar. 7, Mrs. Hannah Lounsbury, widow 

of Major Lounsbury, 77. 
April 8, Leonard Todd, 76. 

21, Anson Perkins, d. April 10, 80. 
May 22, Mrs. Ruth N. Brown, d May 20,38 
June 4, David E , son of Abram Carring 

ton. d. June 2, 1 year, 6 months. 
June 16, Elizur Young, d. in Prospect 

June 14, aged 46. 
Oct. 7. Mrs. Harmon Allen, d. Oct 6, 82. 
Dec. 9. Andrew I. Hotchkis.s. d. Dec, 7, 

aged 58. 



1877. 



Jan. 



Feb. 



18, Mrs Betsey Adams, d, Jan. 15, 

aged 108. 
16, Mrs. Crownage Lounsbury, d. 

Feb, 14, aged 66. 
Mar, 6, ^.Irs, Sarah B. Smith, d. Mar. 3, 

aged 86, 
June 8, Nathan Prince, d June 6, 82, 
July 28, Daniel Norrison Thomas, d. 

July 2, aged 54. 
Aug, 26, Mrs Ru.ssell Chatfield. d. Aug. 

24, aged 8o. 
Oct. 7, Mrs. Dorcas Sperry, d. Oct 6, 85. 
Nov. 11, Mrs. Annie Clark, d, Nov, 9, 79, 

1878. 

Jan. 8, Alanson Morris, d Jan. 5, aged 64, 

Mar. 13, Eddie Sanford, son of T. L and 

Lottie M Sanford, d. in Water 

bury, Mar, 12, aged 2 mo , 1 d. 

14, Garry Hoadley, d. Mar. 12, 71. 



July 10, Russell Chatfield, d, July 8, 90. 
20, Marshall E,, son of Seymour 

Russell, d. July 19, aged 9 mos. 
Aug, 30, Mrs. Alma Perkins, d. Aug. 28, 

aged 80, 
Sept. 4, George Hotchkiss, d. Aug, 2, 69 
Nov. 14, Mrs Emily Y. Buckingham, d. 

Nov, 19, aged 54, 



1879. 



Jan. 



7, Carrie Luella Bronson, d tu. of 

Edward Bronson, d. Jan, 4, 4 1-2 m. 

18, Mrs. Ellen McClure, d. Jan. 16, 90. 

Mar. 4, Crownage Lounsbury, d. Feb, 

28, aged 76. 
Apr. 4, McDonald Fisher, d, April 2. 63, 
May 26, Mr.«. Julia A, Tolles, d. May 24, 

aged 66. 
July 19, Archie N, , son of Charles A. 
Robertson, d, July 17, aged 10 nio, 
Aug. 4, Mrs, Elmira Doolittle, d. Aug. 1, 

aged 77, 
Sept, 21, Harmon Allen, d. Sept, 19, 93. 
Oct 22, Mrs. Chloe Tuttle, d, Oct. 20, 93, 
Dec. 27, Mrs, Eliza Davidson, d. Dec. 2^, 
aged 71. 

1880. 
Feb 19, Mrs. Almeda E, Allen, d. Feb, 
16. aged 35. 
23, Levi Marks, d. Feb. 21, 88. 
Apr. 9, Lewis Tolles, d April 7, aged 75. 

21, Birdirey Allen, d. Apr. 19, 23. 
May 25, Enos Sperry, d. May 23, aged 79. 
Aug. 5, Emily T Perkins, wife of Isaac 

Perkins, d, Aug, 3, aged 55. 
Sept. 17, Betsey Ann Samson, wife of 
Lines Leneer, d. Sept, 16, aged 41 
27 Chas. E Clark, Beacon Falls, d. 
Sept. 25, aged 52. 
Dec. 3, Mrs. Lucy Thomas, 78 

11, Jeremiah Collins, d. Dec 9, 69. 

1894. 

Rev. J. Tragitt Rector. 

Dec. 21, Mrs. Sarah Downs, d. Dec, 19, 72. 

25, Marcus Austin, d. Dec. 23, 63. 



76 BETHANY. 



From the Records of Trinity Church, New Haven. 



Rev. Bela Hubbard, who was rector of Trinit>' church, New 
Haven, from 1767 to 1812, frequently came to Bethany and held 
services and performed the rites of baptism, marriage and burial. 
The following data of services performed in Bethany have been 
carefull3' gleaned from the Trinity church records: 

April 1 8th, 1770. At a lecture at Bethan}^ baptized Alley, 

Jesse, Elizabeth, Rayment, James and David, children of 

Carrington, Benajah Peck and Sarah his wife, sponsors. 

At a lecture at Bethany Jan. 30th, 1776, baptized Sarah, 
daughter of Abram and Rebecca Carrington. The above children 
with proper sureties. 

At a lecture in Bethany September 26th, 1780, baptized Uri, 
Dennis, Zimri, Lyman, Dan, Sarah, Lois, children of Isaac and 
Mary Sperry ; Rosana, daughter of !\Linsfield and Elizabeth Peck ; 
Charles, son of Abram and Rebecca Carrington ; Elizabeth and 
Hannah, daughters of Ebenezer and Hannah Bishop. 

Baptized at Bethany January loth, 1781, George Frederick, 
son of Mansfield and Elizabeth Peck ; sponsors, Benajah Peck, 
Elizabeth Beecher, Sarah Peck. 

At a lecture in Bethany, May 1781, married one couple, and on 
Sunday, April 22d, 1781, gave the sacrament of the holy Eucharist 
to 17 persons. 

Married, Januar}- 29th, 1781, Ebenezer Umberville to Esther 
Downs, both of Bethany. 

February i6th, 1782, baptized at Bethany, Esther, wife to 
Samuel Gilbert. The same Esther communed for the first time. 

September 22d, 1782, baptized at Bethany, 17th Sunday on 
Trinity, Joseph, son of Abner Bradley. Sponsors, Benajah Peck 
and parents. 

October 21st, 1782. Burial of a child of Eber and Abigail 
Downs. 



VITAL STATISTICS. 11 

Jane 29th, 1783. Baptized one infant ; and Isaac, Polly, David 
and Betsey, children of Eber and Abis^ail Downs. 

1784. Baptized Archibald Perkins, Hulday, Sarah, Samuel. 
1784. Baptized Lola, daughter of Thaddeus Todd, and Archibald 
Abncr. son of Archibald and Hulday Perkins. 

November 27th, 1784. Baptized Samuel, Miles, David, Joel 
and Esther, children of Joel Sperry. 

November 28. Baptized Samuel, son of Abner and Comfort 
Bradley ; Chaunce_v, son of Cyrus and Sarah Wooding. 

November 29th. Baptized Stephen, Daniel, Enoch, William, 
Rachel, Mabel. Amos, John, Mary, children of Russell. 

DATE OF OPENING CHRIST CH., BETHANY. 

B-'tbanv. Woodbridge, zAiigust 26fb, lyS^, opened ye Episcopal cburcb 
by ye name of X cburcb and preacbed, &c., ajid baptised 7 infants. 

(Parochial record of Trinity church, page 153.) 

May 2gth, 1787. baptized Nehemiah, son of Allen and Hulda 
Carrington. vSeptember i6th, buried wife of Umbertield ; buried 
3-e wife of Abram Tuttle, aged 65 years. 

Married January, 1793, Uri Tuttle to Margaret Munson. 

New Haven, Thursday, December 17th, 1795, at the home of 
Mr. David Cook, joined in marriage David Thomas of Woodbridge 
with Rebecca Cook of New Haven. 

New Haven, Sunday, June 28th, 1807, published ye banns of 
marriage between Nathan Prince of Milford and Mary Ann Elizabeth 

How of New Haven ; and on same day at the house of York 

joined them in ye banns of matrimony. 



BETHANY. 



THE HILLS OF BETHANY. 

BY REV. L. F. MORRIS, MARCH, I905. 



We live on the hills of Bethany, 
Where few of human kind we see, 
Where few of human sound we hear. 
Where nature's voices charm the ear. 
On the hills of Bethany. 

A very lonesome place, you'll say, 
In which to pass the time away ; 
And yet in city's swarming hive 
None better live than we, and thrive. 
On the hills of Bethany. 

We're nearer heaven here than there. 
Where men are worn by carking care 
And here less vices are allowed. 
Far from the city's "madding crowd," 
On the hills of Bethany. 

And fresh and sweet the air e'er comes 
Untainted by the city's slums. 
And, what is best, the atmosphere 
Of social life is pure and clear. 
On the hills of Bethany. 

The proud coal barons send a chill 
Through cities, when at their sweet will 
The jjrices rise ; but their demands 
We heed not on these wooded lands. 
On the hills of Bethany. 



POEM BY THE REV. L. F. MORRIS. 79 

No great coal strikes^have pinched us yet, 
For wood is plenty and easy to get, 
And lacking coal, not one need freeze, 
Though Boreas blow his coldest breeze. 
On the hills of Bethany. 

We hear the voice of uncaged birds 
A-singing these exultant words, 
"The city's prisoned air we scorn- 
As free as eagles we were born. 
On the hills of Bethany." 

We hear the crow with hungry maw 
Proclaim his want with loud caw ! caw ! 
And robins, singing on the lawn, 
Make known the rise of rosy dawn 
On the hills of Bethany. 

The bobolink carols on the wing. 
When winters cease to threaten spring, 
And sweet the orioles chants ascend, 
As they hang their nests on the long limbs' end, 
On the hills of Bethany. 

Our eyes are gladdened by living green. 
Which in the town is little seen ; 
And plants and flowers for all find room 
To grow and blossom and shed perfume 
On the hills of Bethany. 

From these fair heights we look afar ; 
And might see Bethlehem's guiding star. 
If that were where it once was seen. 
And centuries did not lie between, 
On the hills of Bethany. 

Still to us is divinely given 
To see the broad expanse of heaven ; 
To see the stars coming trooping out. 
And the moon pursue his nightly route 
O'er the hills of Bethany. 



8o BETHANY. 

And We can see the sun arise, 
And glorious gild the morning skies, 
And that the far horizon gets 
Unrivalled pictures as he sets. 
On the hills of Bethany. 

Ten miles off is the shining sea 
Which Indians called Matowaksee, 
Where islands keep concealed Kidd's gold- 
This sheet of waters we behold, 
From the hills of Bethany. 

O ye, by city's walls shut in. 
And who would purest freedom win, 
Move out and try our country life. 
With all most useful blessings rife. 
On the hills of Bethany. 



BETHANY. 8l 



FROM 1852 TO 1896, FROM THE TOWN RECORDS. 

BIBTH. RESIDENCE AND MARRIAGE IN BETHANY UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED, 

1852. 

Nov. 7, George Sanford, joiner, and Ann Johnson, m. by Miles French, Esq. 

Nov. 14, Jarvis F, Bronson, b. Derby, and Louisa P. Beecher, m. by Rev. 
Henry Zell. 

Nov. 18, Jacob W. Wilcox, printer, b. New Haven, r. Waterbury, and 
Charlotte E. Hurlburt, b. Hartford, r. Waterbury, m. by Rev. H. Zell. 

1853. 

Jan. 10, Eli H. Wakelee, mason, b. and r. Derby, and Eunice A. Chat- 
field, m. by Rev. Henry Zell. 

Feb. 8, Wales C. Dickerraan, farmer, b. and r. Hamden, and Celia 
Todd, teacher, m. by Rev. Henry Zell. 

Mar. 20, Charles 0. Perkins, farmer, and Jane Perkins, m. by Rev. H. Zell. 

Apr. 17, Henry N. Johnson, founder, b, and r. Westville, and Sylvia 
Northrop, teacher, b. and r. Woodbridge, m. by Rev. Henry Zell. 

Oct. 13, John H. Sherwood, farmer, b. Fairfield, r. Southport, and Seliua 
Beecher, by Rev. John M. Guion. 

Oct. 16, Alva K. Munson, farmer, b. and r. Hamden, and Betsey Hitch- 
cock, m. by Rev, Alexander Leadbetter. 

Nov. 20, George A. Hall, carpenter, b. Maine, r. Meridea, and Eliza A. 
Griswold, b. and r. Rocky Hill, m. by Rev. Alexander Leadbetter. 

1855. 

May 20, Archibald A. Perkins, tanner, and Minerva Scoville, m. by Rev. 
Charles J. Todd. 

Nov. 18, David F. Smith, b. and r. Woodbridge, and Delia E. Northrop, 
m. by Rev. S. H. Elliot of New Haven. 

Dec. 31, David French, farmer, and Sarah E. Fuller, b. Oxford, m. by H. 
B. Munson, Esq., Seymour. 

1856. 

Jan. 1, Henry E. Lounsbury, farmer, and Cornelia A. Doolittle, b. Ham- 
den, r. Wallingford. 



82 BETHANY. 

Apr. 5, John Russell, farmer, and Hannah Hotchkiss, m. by Rev. Charles 
J. Todd. 

June 8, Stephen Mansfield, farmer^ b. and r. Seymour, and Amy Hotch- 
kiss, m. by Ezra S. Sperry, Esq. 

June 29, Azariah Andrews, farmer, and Sarah A. Pardee, b. and r. Orange 
m. by Rev. O. L. Holcomb. 

1857. 

Feb. 7, Street B. Todd, farmer, r. New Haven, and Sarah A. Hotchkiss, 
m. by Rev. James Adams. 

May 10, John J. Sperry, farmer, and Elizabeth A. White, b. Seymour, m. 
by Rev. J. Guernsey, Woodbridge. 

Nov. 29, Donald Fishei, farmer, b. Middletown, and Eunice Brown, m. by 
Rev. E. W. Robinson. 

1858. 

Feb. 26, Elbert Downs, farmer, and Catherine A. Bailey, b. Woodbridge, 
m. by Rev, E. W. tlobinson. 

Apr. 24, Isaac Bradley, farmer, and Fannie A. Castle, b. and r. Wood- 
bridge, m. by Andrew T. Hotchkiss, Esq. 

Aug. 19, Levi M. Marks, farmer, b. Milford, and Emeline Pierpont, r. New 
Haven, m. by Rev. F. B. Woodward. 

Sept. 25, George W. Woodward, farmer, b. Litchfield, and Margaret L. 
Sperry, m. by Rev. F. B. Woodward. 

1859. 

Feb. 1, Jacob Muller, b. Germany, and Licetta Friedman, b. Germany, m. 
by Rfiv. Samuel H. Smith, Naugatuck. 

Feb. 3, Theodore A. Shephard, b. and r. Chatham, and Ellen L. Ramsdell, 
b. and r. Chatham, m. by Rev. F. W. Woodward. 

July 10, Franklin B. Atwater, farmer, and Elizabeth Barnes, b. Meriden, 
m. by Rev. F. B. Woodward. 

Nov. — , Mark Sperry, joiner, and Harriet H. Elder, matchmaker, b. Ply- 
mouth. 

Dec. 22, Charles Austin, farmer, and Laura 0. Tuttle, b. Paris, N. Y,, r 
New Haven, in. by Rev. F. B. Woodward. 

Dec. 22, Henry W. Perkins, blacksmith, and Emily Sanford, b. Hamden, 
ra. in New Haven by Rev. Wm. Weed. 

Dec. 22, Edward Buckingham, farmer, and Emily Castle. 

18G0. 

Jan. 7, Charles T. Baily, farmer, b. Hamden, and Emily S. Davis, b. Bris- 
tol, m. by E. W. Robinson. 



MARRIAGES. 83 

Jan. 15, W. Herbert French, wagonmaker, aotl Mary S. Carrington, m. by 

Eev. P. B. Woodward. 
Mar. 25, Gilbert R. Doane, farmer, b. and r. Westbrook, and Oatherine J. 

RuBsell, m. by Rer. Alex. D. Stowel. 
Jan. 25, Rollin J. Bunce, mechanic, b. and r. New Haven, and M. Jane 

Sanford, m. by O. Evans Shannon, rector of Trinity church, Seymour. 
Apr. 7, Dariu8 Collins, farmer, and Oatherine McOlure, b. Ireland, m. by 

Andrew Hotchkiss, Justice of the Peace. 
Apr. 29, Charles E. Wooding, farmer, r. Woodbridge, and Elvira 0. Clin- 
ton, b. and r. Woodbridge, m. by Rev. F. B. Woodward. 
May 27, Edward P. Woodward, physician, b. Litchfield, r. Cheshire, and 

Eliza D. Sperry, m. by Rev. James E. Coley, Westville. 

1860. 
June 10, Allen G. Sperry, farmer, and Grace E. Russell, m. by Rev. F. B. 

Woodward. 
June 18, Miletus Huxford, mechanic, Wolcottville, r. Ansonia, and Kate 

L.Hale, milliner, b. Woodbridge, r. Ansonia, m. by Rev. F. B. Wood 

ward. 
Ang. 19, Abel Wilcoxsoo, farmer, b. Oxford, and Maria Nettleton, b. Wa- 

tertown, m. by Rev. S. P. Perry, Seymonr. 
Sept. 26, Bennett T. Abbots, minister, b. and r. Middlebury, and Fanny A. 

Ooe, m. by Rev. T. B. Chandler of Naugatuck. 
Oct. 7, Lewis Hitchcock, farmer, and Valina Hine, b. and r. Woodbridge, 

m. by Rev. S. B. Woodward. 
Aug. 19, Abel Wilcoxson, farmer, b. Oxford, and Maria Nettleton, b. 

Watertown, m. by Rev. L. P. Perry, ..' Seymour. 
Nov. 12, Lauren E. Cook, farmer, b. pnd r. Cheshire, and Caroline E. 

Perkins, teacher, m. by Rev. S. B. Woodward. 



1867. 
Nov. 30, Dr. Edward P. Woodward and Marv A. Atwood, New Haven. 
Dec. 22, Leroy William Tuttle and Lovena Maria Tuttle. 

1868. 
Jan. 8, Ely Sanford and Anjennette Caroline Tuttle. 
Jan. 31, Otis B. Beecher and Eliza Perkins. 
June 17, Henry F. Bishop, Woodbridge, and Kate E. Sperry. 
Sept. 6, Daniel Willis Russell and Mary A. Brooks, 
Dec. 1, Thomas B. McClure and Lucretia Beecher. 



84 BETHANY 

18G9. 

Feb. 27, William W. Scoville aod Mattie E. Talmadge, Prospect. 

May 23, John Henry Westropp, Albany, N. Y., and Mrs. Laura Brooks. 

June 2, George Washington Davis, Seymour and M^* rrha Harriet Hitchcock. 

June 27, Charles Alex. Robertson, Tennessee, and Hannah Sherman Prince. 

Jiily 12, Charles William Shelton, New Haveo, and Eleanor Root At- 
water, New Haven. 

Oct. 14, Herbert William Brockelt, New Hazen, and Eliza Alice Hitch- 
cock, New Haven. 

Nov. 14, Wales Franklin Sackett, Oxford, and Sarah Jane Burnham. 

Dec. 4, Lester Eugene Tyrrel, Naugatuck, and Mary Patterson, Naugatuck. 

187L 
Feb. 21, Garry Beecher Johnson and Polly Tolles. 

Sept. 5, John Henry Twitchell and Anzonetta Adalioe Goodell, Prospect. 
Nov. 23, Hiram Judson and Lydia Tuttle. 
Nov. 29, Lucius Leroy Goodell, Ansonia, and Lilian Eliza Nichols, Naugatuck 

1872. 
Feb. 24, Frank Pierce Marsh, Woodbury, and Susan ZillaAtwood, Woodbury 
Mar. 19, David F. Smith and Amelia Marilla Sperry. 
Aug. 11, Dwight L. Hitchcock and Martha Ford, Oxford. 
Oct. 16, Samuel R. Woodward, Watertown, and Charlotte P. Bigelow. 
Dec. 28, Charles D. Allen, Hamdeo.and Celia A. Lounsbury. 
Jan. 1, Frank L. Doolittle, Woodbridge, and Hattie E. Beecher. 
Jan. 15, Albert Beardsley, Berlin, and Marietta Lounsbury, Uamden. 
Jane 10, Solon E. Roswell and Ruth A. Roswell, Southbury. ' 
June 17, Everard B. Clark, Milford, and Princetta M. Pardee. 
Oct. 1, Frederick H. Brown, New Haven, and Kate E. Woodward. 

1875. 
Jan. 5, George Lounsbury and Mrs. Mary Jane Phelps, Prospect. 
Feb. 4, Charles E. Ball, New Haven, and Mary S. Woodruff. 
June 21, C.W. Colton and Cora Dickerman,m. by Rt. Rev. J.Williams, D.D. 
Oct. 5, George F. Davis and Fanny H. Dickerraan, both of Hamden, m. 

by Rev. C. W. Colton. 
Nov. 4, Frederick A. Perry, New Haven, and Celia E. Wheeler, m. by 

Rev. C. W. Colton. 
Dec. IG, Ellis O. Warner, Westville, and Georgiana Woodruff, m. by Rev. 

0. W. Colton. 
Dec. 27, Richard L. Warner, Hamden, and Josephine French, Beacon Falls. 



MARRIAGES. 85 

1877. 
Jan. 3, Frederick W. Beecber, and Mary A. Bashara. 
Dec. 24, in Woodbridge, Dwight E. Todd and Mrs. Catherine E. Bishop, 

Woodbridge. 

1879. 
Oct. 16, in Woodbridge, Limas Lencer, New Haven, and Betsey Ann 

Sampson, Woodbridge. 
Dec. 10, Dwigbt O. Hull and Georgiana Bunnell. 

1880. 
Jan. 28, Frederick S, Hitchcock, Derby, and Martha G. Sperry. 
Nov. 28, William H. Downs of Hamden and Mrs. Loverna M. Tuttle, m. 

in Woodbridge by Rev. F. B. Woodward. 
Dec. 4, Horatio N. Smith, Middlebury, and Mary N. Wright, Albany, N. Y- 

1896. 
Nov. 22, Lewis W. Russell and Annie Stephens, Scotland. 



THE TODD FAMILY. 

This family is descended from (>hristopher Todd, who was born in Pontefract, 
England. He was baptized Jan. 11, 1617, and came to Boston in 1636, and in 
1637 he was in New Haven, where he had a gristmill where Whitney's gun 
factory now stands. This was long known as Todd's Mill. 

Christopher Todd married Grace Middlebrook, and had a son Samuel who 
married Mary Bradley and had also a son Samuel. Samuel, Jr., married Susan- 
nah Tuttle, and had a son Stephen, who maiTied Lydia Ives and had a son 
Jonah, who moved from Northford in 1783, and bought a large tract of land 
in the northeast part of Bethany, then Woodbridge. This tract of land, with 
additional tracts, has been held and occupied by the Todds down to the present 
time. 

Jonah, the fifth in descent from Christopher Todd, was born in Wallingford 
April 28. 1731. He married Lowly Harrison of Branford and had six sons, 
Charles, Thaddeus, Thelus, Ambrose, Jonah, Jr.. and Ely. He died in Bethany 
and was buried in the Carrington Cemetery. 

Charles married Lvdia Ives. The late Major Theron A. Todd of New Haven 
came through this branch, being a -son of Alfred, who was a son of Albert, who 
was a son of Charles. 

Thaddeus was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. He married Penina 
Brockett of North Haven and had eleven children. 

Thelus married Irene Rogers of Northford. His granddaughter Delia mar- 
ried a brother of the late Rev. L. F. Morris of Bethany. 

Ambrose was an Episcopal clergyman. He married Lavina Jarvis of 
Cheshire. Two sons, Ambrose and Charles Jarvis, were also Episcopal clergy- 
men. The latter preached in Bethany in the fifties. 



86 BETHANY 

Jonah, Jr., married Mary Tuttle, daughter of Uri and Thankful (Ives) Tuttle 
of Bethany. They removed to Plymouth, Conn. 

Ely, the youngest child of Jonah and Lowly (Harrison) Todd, married Bede 
Todd, a daughter of Seth and Mary Todd of North Haven. 

Lowly, wife of Jonah Todd, Sr., died July 17, 1775, in her 45th year, and 
was buried in Northford. Jonah Todd. Sr., married for his second wife Abigail 
Crittenden, widow of Dr. Hopestill Crittenden. Their children were : 

Lucy, m. Daniel Hotchkiss and removed to Andas, Delaware Co., N. Y. 

Hannah, m. Alex. Milmine and removed to Lebanon, Madison Co., N. Y. 

Chauncey, m. Susan Hotchkiss and removed to Butternuts, N. Y. 

Russell Todd, son of Chauncey, an Episcopal clergyman, is living in Lan- 
sing, Mich., aged 76. Chauncey Todd's daughter Lucy married Norris Gil- 
bert, and their son Mahlon Norris Gilbert, now deceased, was a bishop of the 
Episcopal church in Minnesota. 

Loly, daughter of Jonah Todd, Sr., married David Perkins of Bethany. 
She died March 13, 1814, aged 88 years. Nancy Perkins, daughter of David and 
Loly (Todd) Perkins, married Abraham Louusbury of Bethany. Their daugh- 
ter, Sarah Loly Loutisbury, married Nathan Clark of Bethany. 

Ely Todd, son of Jonah Todd, Sr., born June 29, 1773, settled down on his 
father's estate and occupied it until his death. Mar. 10, 1847. He married Bede 
Todd Jan. 8, 1797. She was born Dec. 2, 1774, and died Nov. 6, 1857. Three 
children blessed their union: Louisa, born Oct. 11,1797, married Amos Peck; 
Leonard, born Nov. 8, 1800, and Mary Ann, born Oct. 11, 1814, married Jesse 
Allen Doolittle of Hamden. She died July 4, 1854. 

Leonard remained on the farm in Bethany. He married, Dec. 24, 1831, Julia 
Bradley, daughter of Elam and Lowly (Dickermau) Bradle/, of Hamden. born 
Nov. 21, 1800. Seven children blessed their union. 

Grace, b. Apr. 1. 1823, m. Rev. F. B. Woodward, d. June, 1898. 

Emily, b. June 1, 1825, d. Aug. 8, 1880. 

Margaret, b. Mar. 16, 1828, d. Mar. 15, 1888. 

Celia, b. July 28, 1880. 

Street Bradley, b. Aug. 9, 1833, d. Mar. 12, 1906. 

Dwight Ely, b. Sept. 11, 1834, d. Jan. S, 1901. 

Jasper B., b. Sept. 9. 1842. 

Emily Todd married Isaac Perkins of Bethany, son of Enos and Alma (Doo- 
little) Perkins. Their children were : 

Julia Ella, d. Apr. li, 1856. 

Francis May, d. May 1, 1855. 

Eliza E., b. July 28, 1849, m. Otis Beecher. Both are deceased. 

Adna T. 

Margaret Todd, daughter of Leonard and Julia Todd, married Chauncey 
Tolles Beecher, son of Lysias and Lucy (Tolles) Beecher. Children: 

Irving Chauncey Tolles, b. Mar. J7, 1886, d. in California Dec, 1902. 

Lillian L., b. May 22, 1859, m. Samuel W. Chapman of Waterbury, d. Feb. 
16, 1881. 



THE TODD FAMILY. 87 

Lysias, b. Sept. 5, 1860, d. Aug 19, 1890. 

Mary, b. Feb. 5, 1863. m. George Meachem. 

Angelia, b. Oct. 13, 1865, d. Sept. 22, 1890. 

Dr. Hesper Beecher, b. May 11, 1871, d. Feb. 7, 1908. 

Celia Todd, daughter of Leonard and Julia Todd, m. Feb. 8, 1853, Caleb 
Dickerman of Hamden, b. June 13, 1831, the son of Enos and Harriet (Doolittle) 
Dickerman of Hamden. Both are living. They celebrated their golden wed- 
ding in 1903. Their children are: 

Francis Harriet, b. Mar. 6, 1854, m. George Davis of New Haven. 

Kate Julia, b. May 2, 1757, m. David Andrew. 

Fred Wales, b. Mar. 6, 1859, m. Emeline Atwood, residence Hamden. 

Elizabeth Gelia. b, Feb. 22, 1863, m. Fred Feck. 

Burton Street, b. June 13, 1864, d. Feb. 24, 1888. 

Edward Todd. b. Apr. 19, 1866, m. Bertha Davis. 

Alta May, b. May 5, 1868, m. Willford Clark of Straitsville. 

Bennett Jasper, b. May 15, 1871, m. Ruby Russell of Orange, r. Mt. Carmel. 

Starr Bradley, b. Mar. 1, 1873, d. Jan. 23, 1875. 

Street Bradley Todd, son of Leonard and Julia Todd, m. Feb. 7, 1857, Sarah 
A. Hotchkiss, residence Bethany until fall of 1905. Children: 

Addie M., b. Aug. 4, 1858, m. Joseph Kelly of New Haven. 

Ella S., b. Sept. 11, 1866, m. John Crofut of Naugatuck. 

Dwight Ely Todd, son of Leonard and Julia, m. Catherine Sperry, daughter 
of Enos and Rosette (Russell) Sperry of Bethany, and widow of Henry Bishop 
of Woodbridge. Children : 

Leonard Enos, b May 10, 1880, residence Woodbridge. 

Julia Rosette, b. June 24, 1886, residence Woodbridge. 

Jasper Bryan Todd, son of Leonard and Julia, resides on the old Todd 
homestead; married Mary A. Moody, daughter of the late Rev. Martin Moody, 
rector of Christ church, Bethany, in the 70's. Child: 

Mary Elinore, b. Mar. 7, 1892. 

The name Todd is from an old Scottish term for fox; hence the represen- 
tation of a fox on the family arms. 



BIRTHS. 89 



BIRTHS. 

FROM THE TOWN RECORDS. 

All events in Bethany unless otherwise stated. 
1852. 
Clark, Ann Eliza, dau. of Stiles and Emma, b. Nov. 10. 
Ford, , son of Clark and Thirza, Dec. 28. 

1853. 
Russell, Grace Louisa, dau. of Stiles A. and and Susan, b. Feb. 22. 
Wheeler, Mary Maria, dau. of Orrin and Mary, b. Apr. 24. 
Hotchkiss, Isa Annette, dau. of Andrew T. and Belinda C. , b. Apr. 29. 
Baird, Sarah Maria, dau. of Allen C. and Abigail, b. July 14. 
Johnson, son of Andrew, b. Aug. 23. 

Basham, Hannah Rebecca, dau. of William and Elizabeth, b. Sept. 5. 
Moran, son of John, b. Oct. 5. 

Bronson, Mary Jennett. dau. of Jarvis F. and Lovicy L.. b. Oct. 24. 
Hull, Foster Beecher, son of Morrison C. and Eliza, b. Nov. i. 

1854- 
Craw, Mary Agnes, dau. of James and Martha L., b. Jan. 3. 
Mix, son of Perry and Hannah, b. Feb. i. 

Andrews, Frederick, son of Nehemiah and Nancy b. Feb i. 
Perkins, Jay Willis, son of Henry W. and Harriet, b. March 2. 
Northrup, Fredie Allen, son of Allen and Jane, b. April 21. 
Richards, dau. of Sylvester and Gratia. 

Perkins, Howard French, son of Wales and Maria, b. April 23. 
Lounsbury, Mary Ann, dau. of David A. and Sylvia, b. April 28. 
Northrop. Elmer Theodore, son of Charles and Adeline, b. June i. 
Shaffer, Hugh Gregory, son of Lewis and Mary, b. Aug. 18. 
Beecher, Harriet Elizabeth, dau. of Hoel and Adeline, b. July 30. 
Beach, dau. of Russell M. and Eliza P., b. Sept. 17. 

Wheeler, Celia Ella, dau. of Orrin and Mary, b. Oct. 14. 
Abbott, Jessie Letitia, dau. of Samuel P. and Margaret P., b.Aug. 20. 



90 BETHANY. 

1855- 
Munson, Fannie Eva, dau. of Lewis T. and Lois, b. Jan. 23. 
Perkins, Edward Henry, son of Henry W. and Harriet, b. Feb. 20. 
Russell, Hattie Maria, dau. of Daniel W. and Henrietta, b. Apr. 14. 
Andrews, Charles Hubert, son of Nathan and Elizabeth, b. May 16. 
Northrop, Lucia Frances, dau. of Allen and Jane, b. Aug. 21. 
Wheeler, Margaret Benecia, dau. of Noyes andCharry S., b. May — 
Lounsbury. Eliza Duella. dau. of Henry and Sarah, b. May 29. 
Bayley, son of Allen and Susan P., b. June 19. 

Basham. Mary Ann, dau. of William and Elizabeth, b. June 22. 
Hubbell, Arthur Norton, son of Joseph O. and Ann, b. July 7. 
Braman, son of John and Ellen, b. July 29. 

Richards, son of Sylvester and Gratia, b. July 29. 

Gaylord, Hattie, dau. of Lyman and Martha, b. Oct. 2. 
Baird. Flora Grace, dau. of Allen C. and Abigail, b. Nov. 24. 
Sperry, Mary. dau. of Alonzo and Rebecca, b. Dec. 9. 
Peck, Frank Eser, son of Titus D. and Louisa E., b. Feb. 10. 

1856. 
Warner, Adelaide, dau. of Frederick and Amanda, b. Jan.— 
Perkins. Adna Todd, son of Isaac and Emily, b. May 27. 
Russell. Mary Jane, dau. of Lucius and Elizabeth, b. May 7. 
Conoly. William Morris, son of William and Eliza, b. May 28. 
Perkins, Jane Rebecca, dau. of Wales F. and Maria, b. June 23. 
Hull. Carrie, dau. of Morrison C. and Eliza, b. July 17. 
Wheeler. Christiana Jane, dau. of Orrin and Mary, b. July 27. 
Perkins, Julia Maria, dau. of Charles and Mary, b. Aug. 9. 
Peck, Mary EHzabeth, dau. of Titus Dennis and Louisa E., b. Oct. 2. 
Brown, Wilson Wilbur, son of Andrew P. and Ruth Ann, b. Oct. 17. 
Collins, James Buchanan, son of Jeremiah and Nora, b. Dec. 24. 
Collins, John Breckenridge. son of Jeremiah and Nora, b. Dec. 24. 
Dorman. Frank, son of Philos and Eliza, b. April 25. 
Northrop. Alvina Phinett. dau. of Charles and Adelaide, b. Aug. 12. 
Watkins, Charles M., son of John and Emily A., b. Aug. 22. 
Aspenwall, George C, son of George R. and Eliza A., b. Oct. 2. 
Fitzgerald, Hannorah, dau. of Michael and Bridget, b. Oct. 25. 
Bridge, Lillie Fremont, dau. of Jesse F. and Almira A., b. May 26. 
Odholm. Frederick, son of Gustavus and Jane E., b. Dec. 5. 
Haley, Daniel, son of James and Mary, b. June 25 
Otsego, of , Aug. 28. 



BIRTHS. 91 

Clark, Sheldon, son of Charles F. and Anna. b. Sept. 21. 

1857. 

Hervvood, Thomas, son of Andrew and Daffany, b. Jan. 21. 

McDonald, Win. Henry, son of John and Mary Ann, b. Jan. 24. 

Bashan. Joseph Edward, son of Win. and Elizabeth, b. Jan. 30. 

Warner, Nelson, son of Eliza Warner, b. Aug. 16. 

French, Hattie Elizabeth, dau. of David M. and Sarah E.. b. Dec. 28. 

Laittch, Charlie, son of Charlie and Theresa, b. Dec. 4. 

Pierce, dau. of Elijah S. and Elizabeth S., June 11. 

Junius, Elizabeth, dau. of Edward and Elizabeth, b. June 11. 

Baehr, Oswald Charlie, son of Oswald and Julia, b. Dec, 16. 

Keechwitz, Emeline, dau. of Henry and Phippina, b. June 7. 

Hackert, Julia, dau. of Julius and Louisa, b. Dec. i. 

Craw, Willis Eugene, son of James H. and Martha L.. b. March 11. 

Hard, Ida Elizabeth, dau. of Charles F. and Polly E., b. June 14. 

Abbott, son of Smith and Julia B.. b. March — 

Beecher, Frank Arthur, son of Frances A., b. June 3. 
Hubbell, Josie Morton, son of Joseph O. and Ann, b. Jan. — 
Shaffer, Catharine Ann, dau. of Lewis and Alice, b. March 5. 
Allen, Frank, son of Julia, b. July 8. 

Andrews, Noyes, son of Azariah and Sarah A., b. April 7, 
Northrop, , son of Allen and Jane, b. Dec. 4. 

1858. 
Wooding, Lilla, dau. of John and Jennet, b. Jan. 3. 
Doolittle, , son of Elizur B. and Helen A., b. Feb. 26. 

Peck, Jane. dau. of Titus D. and Louisa E., b. Sept. 18. 
Goodyer, Cynthia, dau. of George and Cynthia, b. April 25. 
Foot, Sherman D., son of Samuel E. and Clara J., b. May 3. 
Dodd, , dau. of George, b. Aug. — 

Downs, , son of Elbert and Catharine A., b. Nov. — 

Bronson, George, son of Allen C. and Abigail, b. July 17. 
Beard, William, son of Jarvis F. and Lovicy P., b. Sept. 26. 
Todd, Ada Mariah, dau. of Street B. and Sarah A., b. Aug. 4. 
French, Gertrude, dau. of John C. and Marietta, b. March 23. 
Collins, , dau. of Jeremiah and Nora, b June — 

Shulz, Augusta, dau. of Charles and Mary, b. April 24. 
Bridge, Benjamin Herbert, son of Joseph M. and Adelaide, b. Sep. 20 
Schlisenza, Anna, dau. of Augusta D. and Jerusha, b. Feb. 2. 
Cunningham, Thomas, son of Thomas and Margaret, b. Jan. 16. 



92 BETHANY. 

Keening:, dau. of , b. Oct. — 

Perkins, , dau. of Wales F. and Maria, b. March 8. 

Wheeler, , dau. of Orrin and Marv, b. Dec. 5. 

Andrews, Fannie, dau. of Azariah and Sarah A., b. May 17. 
Johnson, Barton Frank, son of Andrew and Elizabeth, b. March 2. 
Northrop. Willie Dwi^ht, son of Charles and Adelaide, b. May 5. 

1859. 
Billerwell, Elizabeth, dau. of John and Susannah, b. Jan. 12. 
Hotchkiss, Frank Lester, son of Lewis E. and Elizabeth M., b. Mar. 2 
Durand, Wm. Frederick, son of Wm. and Ruth, b. March 5. 
Earling, Julius, son of Charles and Julia, b. April 7. 
Clark, George Trumbull, son of Charles F. and Anna, b. Nov. 13. 
Stevens, , dau. of Charles E. and Eliza, b. Oct. 13. 

Lounsbury, , son of Henry and Sarah, b. Sept. 27. 

Hotchkiss,. , son of Andrew T. and Belinda, b. Nov. 14. 

Boke, , dau. of John and Mary Ann, b. Oct. 9. 

Beecher, , dau. of Chauncey and Margaret, b. May 22. 

Pritchard, , son of George N. and Laura Ann, b. July 5. 

Hill, , son of Smith D. and Mary O., b. July 10. 

Kotchwitz, Joseph Otto, son of Henry and Phippina, b. May 19. 
Spencer, Margaret J., dau. of John R. and Mary, b. Aug. 5. 
Heublin, Clara G., dau. of Frederick and Joanna, b. Oct. 28. 
Slasinger, Mary, dau. of Augustus and Jerusha. b. June 10. 
Joy, John, son of Michael and Mary, b. April 15. 
Northrup, Rebecca L. , dau. of Allen and Jane E., b. May 13. 
Russell, , dau. of Wm. W. and Henrietta, b. Oct. 25. 

Allen, , son of David and Emily, b. July 12. 

Bush. , son of Franklin K. and Mary, b. Aug. — 

i860. 
Atwater, , dau. of Franklin and Elizabeth, b. Feb. 19. 

Brown, , dau. of Andrew O. and Ruth A., b. Feb. 24. 

Downs, , dau. of Albert and Catharme, b. July 13. 

Mansfield, , son of Stephen and Amy, b. July 21. 

Beecher, , son of Chauncey T. and Margaret, b. Sept. 15. 

French, , son of Whales H. and Mary S., b. Nov. 24. 

Peck, , son of T. Dennis and Lovisa E., b. Dec. 4. 

Cotter, , dau. of James and Mary Jane, b. Dec. 27. 

French, , dau. of John and Marietta, b. Aug. 28. 

Earling, , dau. of Charles and Julia, b. Nov. — 



BIRTHS. 93 

Odholm, Emma, J., dau. of Gustavus and Jane E., b. Jan. 23, 
Luther, , dau. of James H. and Mary, b. Jan. 18. 

Dibble, , dau. of Jacob and Teresa, b. Oct. 30. 

Huffman, , dau. of Frederick and Rosey, b. Dec, 10. 

Coe, , son of John and Mary, b. Jan. 27. 

Hard, Lydia Ann, dau. of Charles F. and Polly E.. b. Jan. 24. 
Sackett, , Emma M., dau. of Wm. W. and Minerva, b. Feb. 12. 

Andrews, Mary E., dau- of Azariah and Sarah, b. Jan. 21. 
Northrop, Hattie B., dau. of Charles and Adaline, b. April 17. 
Pielmoo, , son of Frederick and Rosanna, b. Oct. 17. 

Northrop, , dau. of Allen and Jane, b. May 26. 

Wood, , dau. of John W. and Delia, b. Au^. 21. 

McClure, , son of Wm. and Hannah, b. June 30. 

Johnson, , son of Garry B. and Huldah, b. Dec. 8. 

McClure, , son of Catherine, b. Feb. — 

Daley, , dau. of Thomas and Bridget, b. Sept. 21. 

DEATHS. 
1852. 
White, John, b. Derby, d. Oct. , a. 72. 

Perkins, David, farmer, d. Nov. 17, a. 80. 
Atwater, Polly, b. Bethany, d. Dec. 31, a. 20. 

1853- 
Beecher, Jane, b. Bethany, d. Feb. 11, a. 13. 
Wooding, Uri, b. Bethany, d. Feb. 16, a. 58. 
Sanford, Cyrus, b. Bethany, d. Feb. 28, a. 84. 
Castle, Jehial, b. Roxbury, physician, d. April 18, a. 82. 
Russell, Stiles A., b. Bethany, wagonmaker, d. May 3, a. 42. 
Wooding, Anna, b. Woodbridge, d. May 17, a. T]. 
Sandford, Nancy, b. Watertoun, d. July 5, a. 76. 
Sperry, Samuel, b. Woodbridge, d. July 19, a. 74, (pauper). 
Sanford, Moses, b. Bethan3% d. Aug. 19, a. 83. 
French, Harriet, b. Derby, d. Aug. 26. a. 62. 
Tolles, Nehemiah, b. Bethany, d. Sept. 15. a. 43. 
Sperry. Celia, b. Bethany, d. Oct. 17, a. 21. 
Wooding, Silas, shoemaker, b. Bethany, d. Oct. 29, a. 50. 
Schaffer, Lewis, , d. Nov. 30, a. 2. 

Twitchell, Bennett, clothier, b. O.xford, d. Nov. 4, a, 48. 

1854. 
Peck, Polly, b. , d. Feb. 21, a. 72. 



94 



THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE. 




THE CARKINGTON CEMETERY. 

Carrington, Nehemiah, merchant, b. Bethan}-, d. March 26. a. 72. 

Sanford, Lois, b. Hamden, d. April 11, a. 82. 

Wheeler, Rhoda, b. , d. May 6, a. 72. 

Beecher, Lysias, b. Bethany, d. May 7, a. 76. 

Pierpont, Grace, b. Bethany, d. July 25, a. 20. 

Rosha, Elexis, joiner, b. Bethany, d. July 31, a. 55. 

Brown, Etnerett, b. Naugatuck, d. Aug. 6, a. 26. 

Hotchkiss, Jared, b. Bethany, d. Aug. 24. a. 50. 

Beecher. Lucy, b. Bethany, d. Aug. 26, a. 71. 

Hitchcock, Abagail, b. Bethany, d. Sept. 9, a. 99. 

Lines, Tempa, b. Woodbridge, d. Aug. 31, a. d"] . 

Driver, James, b. Bethany, d. Nov. 14, a. 76. 

Sackett, Polly, b. Bethany, d. Sept. 11, a. 80. 

Lines, Arma, b. , d. Oct. 10, a. 96. 

Hubbell, Josephine L., b. Bethany, d. Oct. 25, a. ly., 2m., igd. 

Hubbell, Emma A., b. Bethany, d. Oct. 29, a. 3. 

Andrews, Nehemiah, b. Bethany, d. Dec. 19, a. 3y. 10 months. 

Northrop, Allen, b. Bethany, d. Nov. 17, a. 9 months, 2od. 



DEATHS. 



95 




THE CARRINGTON CEMETERY. LOOKING EAST. 



Mix, infant son of Parry M., b. Bethany, d. Feb. 3, a. 3 days. 
Richards, infant dau. of Sylvester, b. Bethany, d. April 23, a. 
Allen, Fredie, b. Bethany, d. Nov. 15, a. 7 months. 

Scoville, Jane. b. Prospect, d. Feb. 26, a. 22. 

Hotchkiss, Rhoda, b. Bethany, d. March 26. a. 55. 

Perkins, Jnlia Ella, b. Bethany, d. April 15, a. 7. 

Downs, Zephaniah, b. Bethany, d. April 17. a. 72. 

Beecher, Herbert, b. Bethany, d. April 22. a. 6. 

Perkins, Frances May, b. Bethany, d. May i, a. 3. 

Hotchkiss, Jane Ella, b. Bethany, d. May 22, a. 4. 

Collyer. Henry, b. , d. Jnly 5, a. — 

Peck, Titus, b. Bethany, d. July 27, a. 69. 

Perkins, Howard F., b. Bethany, d. Aug. 24, a. i year, 4 mo. 

Carrington, Henry A., b. Bethany, d. Sept. 8, a. 47. 

Tuttle, Seymour, blacksmith, b. Bethany, d. Sept. 23, a. 71. 

Sperry, Chillson, b. , d. Nov. 19, a. 79. 

Beecher, Dennis, teacher, b. Bethany, d. Nov. 22, a. 31. 



id. 



96 BKTHANY. 

Hitchcock, Mary, b. , d. Nov. 22, a. 73. 

Lines, Thirza, b. Bethany, d. Dec. 6, a. 66. 

Hotchkiss, Harvey, b. Woodbridge, d. Dec. 9, a. 74. 

Beecher, Hoel, b. Bethany, d. Dec. 22, a. 45. 

Hotchkiss, Larchens, b. Bethany, d. , a. 78. 

Coe, George Albert, b. Bethany, d. Oct. 14, a. ly. and 2 nnonths. 

1856. 
Lounsbury, Timothy, b. Bethany, d. Jan. 6, a. 86. 
Russell, Polly, b. Prospect, d. Jan. 9, a. 57. 
French, Miles, b. Bethany, d. F'eb. i, a. 50. 
Smith, Frank, b. , d. April 3, a. 5 months. 

Hoadley, Luman, b. Bethany, d. June 4, a. 59. 
Clark, Experience, b. Woodbridge, d. Aug. 16, a. 80. 
Sandford, Laura L., b. Bethany, d. Oct. 26, a. 14 y, 8mo. 
Hotchkiss, Spencer, b. Bethany, d. Nov. 7, a. 52. 
Sperry, Sally, b. Bethany, d. Dec. 2, a. 68. 
Watkins, , b. , d. Sept. 5, a. 27. 

Conoly, William M., b. Bethany, d. Aug. 17. a. 27 y, 2 mo. 19 d. 

, female, domestic, Oct. 13, (no age given). 
Otsego, Emily A., b. Germany, d. Sept. 5, a. 27. 
Otsego, , infant of , stillborn. 

Haskert, Charlie, b. Oxford, d. Sept. 19, a. 8 months, 19 davs. 
Russell, Hattie M., b. Bethany, d. Oct. 13, a. i year, 6mo., I9d. 

1857. 
Bailey, Sheldon, b. Chatham, d. Feb. 9, a. 48. 
Bailey, Harriet, b. Hamden, d. Feb. 22, a. 12. 
Deming, Lucy, b. , d. March 7, a. 51. 

Leavenworth, Polly S., b. Huntington, d. April 30, a. 63. 
Sperry, Ella Jane, b. Bethany, d. June 15, a. 70. 
Sperry. Marcus, b. Bethany, d. July 12, a. 45. 
Perkins, Ira, b. Hamden, d. May 15, a. 68. 
Davis. Robert, b. , d. Aug. 2, a. 48. 

Beecher, Sarah A., b. Bethany, d. Aug. 14. a. 33 v., 3 mo. 
Conoly, Eliza, b. Naugatuck. d. Oct. 4, a. 30. 
Judd, Dorcas, b. Naugatuck, d. Oct. 4. a. 93. 
Sanford, Betsey, b. Prospect, d. Sept. 28. a. 63. 
Todd, Bade, b. North Haven, d. Nov. Nov. 5, a. 78. 
Peck, Fanny, b. Bethany, d. Nov. 7. a. 76. 
Candy, Perus. shoemaker, b. Waterbury, d. Dec. 19, a. 76. 



DEATHS. 



97 




CEMETERY NEAR CENTER SCHOOL. 



Allen, Fanny, b. Woodbridge, d. Jan. 25, a. 68. 

Bradley, David H., tinner, b. Middlebury, d. July 4, a. 24. 

, , infant son of , b. Bethany, d. Mar. 4, a. i d. 

Bridge, Almira A., b. , d. Aug. 26, a. 28. 

Driver, Mary E.. b. New Haven, d. Aug. 31, a. i year, 3 months. 
Northrop, Finett, b. Bethany, d. May 12. a. 7. 

1858. 
Sackett. William, b. Bethany, d. Feb. 4, a. 83. 
Hitchcock, Allen C, b Bethany, d. Feb. 19, a. 42. 
Clark, Mrs. Emma, b. Middlebury, d. March 4, a. 33. 
Hitchcock, Ebenezer, b. Bethany, d. March 4, a. 70. 
Kingsley, Sarah, b. Cheshire, d. April 3, a. 83. 
Barber, John C, laborer, b. England, d. May 4, a. 57. 
Lounsbury. Mrs. Laura, b. Middlesbury, d. May 4, a. 64. 
Hotchkiss, Philo, b. Bethanv, d. July 16, a. 81. 
Umberfield, Sally, b, Bethany, d. July 22, a. 67. 
Sackett, Stern, b. Bethany, d. Sept. 5, a. 18. 
Bagdin, Ester, b. Bethany, d. Oct. 4, a. 87. 



98 BETHANY, 

Aspinwall, George C, b. Bethany, d. Oct. 6, a. i year, ii mo. isd. 
Pierce, Emma, b. Bethany, d. Oct. 9, a. i year, 3 months, 29 days. 
Bradley, Electa, b. Bethany, d. March 20, a. 79. 
Beard. WiUiam, b. Bethany, d. Nov. 17, a. 79 years, 4 months. 
Truesdale, Lorenzo, b. Seymour, r, Seymour, d. April 7, (accident). 

1859. 
Hotchkiss, Elizabeth, widow, b. , d. Jan. 6, a. 97. 

Perkins, Mrs. Harriet C, b, , d. Jan. 28, a. 28. 

Smith, Eliakim, b. Bethany, d. March 9, a. 74. 
Bradley, Joseph, b. Woodbridge, d. May 27, a. T] . 
Lounsbury, Mary, widow, b. Bethany, d. Jan. 5, a. 88. 
Tuttle, Jeremiah, bookkeeper, b. Bethany, d. Sept. 29, a. 44. 
Downs, Calvin, blacksmith, b. New Haven, d. Nov. 17, a. 22. 
Treat, Wallace L., b. New Haven, d. Sept. 10, a. 6 y, 24 d. 
Nettleton, Lydia, b. Middlebury, d. April 19, a. 63. 
Wilcox, Sarah, b. Bethany, d. Dec. 30, a. 69. 

i860. 
Griffin, Harmon, storekeeper, b. Lime, d. Feb. 20, a. 59. 
Peck, George F., b. Bethany, d. March 25, a. 78. 
Hotchkiss, Harley, b. Bethany, d. March 26, a. — 
Lounsbury, Abraham, b. Bethany, d. April 27, a. 61. 
French, Harry, b. Bethany, d. May 17, a. 78. 
Russell, Grace, b. Bethany, d. June 28, a, 7. 
Judd, Leonard, b. Bethany, d. July , a. — 

Munson. Lewis T., b. Huntington, d. Aug. 2, a. 37. 
Deming, Delia, b. Hamden, d. Sept. 6, a. 19. 
Beecher, Martha, b. Derby, d. Nov. 18, a. 2<. 
Clement. John, laborer, b. England, d. Dec. 14, a. 51. 
Hering, James, shoemaker, b. Albany, d. April , a. 25. 
Earling, Charles, b. Bethany, d. May 9, a. 2, 
Luther. Almira, b. Bethany, d. March , a. 7 weeks. 
Fitzgerald, Bridget, b. York state, d. March 29, a. 2. 
Hard. Joseph N., b. New Haven, d. Sept. 11, a. 75. 
Joy, John, b. Bethany, d. May i, a. i. 



BETHANY, 



99 




A COLONIAL HALL IN THE WHEELER HOMESTEAD. 



THE BEECHER— WHEELER HOMESTEAD. 

Amon? the fine old mansions, lav^^e and roomy, with broad 
halls, well built and tastefully decorated in the style of the olden 
times, which dot the hills and in the valleys of Connecticut far from 
the hum of city life, is the Wheeler homestead, a few hundred feet 
north of the center, facing on the main road, looking southward 
toward where in the misty distance lies the city of New Haven, 
Long Island Sound and Long Island beyond. 

Just south of the house, and at right angles to the main road, 
a road leads eastward, toward Mount Carmel. and in the other di- 
rection, past the residence of Deacon Horsfall, a road leads wester- 
ly to a parallel road on which may be seen the homes of Nathan 
Mansfield and B. M. Wellman, and what was recently the residence 
of Esquire Samuel R. Woodward, now occupied by his son, S. P. 
Woodward. 



TOO BETHAXY. 

But to return to the Wheeler mansion. This house attracts 
the attention of the passerby by reason of the material and work- 
manship and the taste which speak well for the intellect and pock- 
etbook of its long ago builder. The underpinning is of fine cut 
sandstone, seldom to be found under houses built at the time. 
Three large chimneys which project above the roof and together 
with the size of the structure tend to give it an air of superiority, 
with the many old fashioned windows which dot its sides. 

Looking closer one observes that the cornice, though not prom- 
inent nor imposing, but narrow and oldfashioned, shows taste and 
fine workmanship. The portico is similarly ornamented, and should 
one chance to pass by when the front door is open on a summer 
afternoon, he would undoubtedly be surprised to see a large hall 
extending from the front of the main house, with handsome arches 
overhead. The engraving above gives a fine view of the hall and 
bears out the assertion that this was worthy to be called an elegant 
residence. 

In view of the growing interest in historic residences further 
particulars of this remarkable house may not be amiss. There are 
two front parlors, one on each side of the broad hall, each about 
fifteen feet square, with two fancy arched alcoves at the back, and a 
large fireplace and a handsome mantel between them. 

From floor to ceiling throughout the lower part of the house is 
a distance of over nine feet, and in several rooms the wall near the 
ceiling is ornamented by a handsome frieze. There are at least 
eight large, light, airy rooms besides the main lower hall, the upper 
hall, and a dance hall some seventeen feet wide by thirtysix feet 
long. There are no less than ten large fireplaces, furnaces and 
steam heaters not being in vogue when this house was built. The 
dance hall has been used for holding church festivals, and for a time 
the regular town meetings. The older people told of the socials and 
dances that they used to attend under its hospitable roof. 

What might be termed a curiosity is situated in the garret, and 
consists of a commodious brick smokehouse used for smoking 
hams or beef. It is arranged to be connected bj' pipe with the 
kitchen stove and the chimney, thus enabling the accomplishment 
of curing the pork and beef for the larder without an extra fire, or 
the expenditure of unnecessary labor, an example of the idea ex- 
pressed in the old adage, "Killing two birds with one stone." 



BETHANY. lOI 

We are told that the house was built by Darius Beecher, who 
was then quite wealthy, had two daughters and one son, went west 
with his family and lost his fortune. The place was afterward oc- 
cupied by Abram Beecher, who was, however, not related to the 
builder. Later it was owned by Lewis Thomas, who occupied it 
with his family. 

It finally passed into the possession of Orrin Wheeler, who oc- 
cupied it with his family till his death in 1874. His widow, son and 
unmarried daughters continued to occupy it until the death of Mrs. 
Wheeler in 1898, and the death of the son in 1899. The Misses 
Mary and Christina Wheeler still cling to the associations which 
make the "Old Homestead" dear to them, and remain under the 
roof which has withstood the storms of the nineteenth century, and 
enters upon the twentieth still protecting a framework of massive 
oak, but little the worse for time and wear. 



I02 



BETHANY. 



A LEAF FROM THE OLD RECORDS. 



At a Lawfull Society raeetinf^ of the 
inhabitants of bethany held by adjurn- 
ment on the first wensday of desember: 
1765: it was then 1: voted that Timothy 
Ball Hezekiah Clark Jesse Bradley Dea 
con John White be the Comnntey for 
this Society the yeir insevvint;. 

2 : voted that a rate be laid at five 
pene on the pound to Ite paid on the 
twelf day of September next. 

3 : voted thar, Neahemiah Toles Shall 
be the Colector of the above raight. 

4: voted that Valentine Willmott, Ben- 
aj. !■ Peck and Stephen Sanford Shall 
time the psalm. 

5: voted that Caleb Tattle Shall dig 
graves. 

6: voted that this meeting be wdjume J 
to the first wensday of desember next 
at four of the Clock in the afternoon at 
the Schoolhouse in bethany. 

At a Speshall Society meeting of the 
inhabitants of bethany held on the 11th 
day of november :1766: the inhabitants 
being Lawfully warned it was then 

1 : voted that Deacon Joel Hotch- 
kiss Shall be moderator of the meeting. 

3: voted that we wUl apply to the 
honourabell County ('ourt now Siting 
in new haven for a com", to cum to 
bethany to vew our Situation ai d Start 
a place for a meeting hous. 

4: voted that Deacon Joel Hotchkiss 
mr Daniel Toles mr Timothy Peck and 
mr Hezekiah Clark Shall be a commt to 
make applycation to the honourable 
County Court for the purpose afuursaid. 

5: voted that this meeting be adjourn- 
ed without day. 



At a Lawfull Society meeting of the 
the inhabitants of bethany he.d by 
adjuniment on the first wensday of de- 
sember :17G6: it was 1: voted that Isaac 
Beecher Deacon John White Timothy 
Ball Hezekiah Ciark and Jesse Bradley 
Shall be a Comtt for this Society the 
year insevving. 

2: voted that a raight be Laid at two 
pene one farthing on the pound to be 
paid on the twelf day of September next. 

3: voted that Thomas Johiii-on Shall 
be the Cclector of the above raight. 

4: vote^d that this meeting be adjurned 
to the first wensday of desember next at 
four of the Clock ia the afternoon at the 
Schoolhou.-* ia bethany. 

At a Speshall Society meeting of the 
inhabitants of bethany held on the :15th : 
day of January :1767: at the Sehoolhous 
in Sd. bethany the inhabitants being 
Lawfully warned it was 

1 : voted that Deacon Joel Hotchkiss 
Shall be moderator of this meeting. 

2: voted that this Society will go the 
honurabell County Court now Siting in 
new haven to Establish the plais ap- 
pointed by their Comtt. for a meeting 
hous in Sd. betliany. 

3: voted that mr. Josiah Lounsbury 
mr. Timothy Peck mr. Daniel Toles mr. 
Ebeuezer Bishop mr. John Perkins and 
mr. Samuel Bisko Shall sit on the elders 
seat. 

4: voted that this meeting be ad- 
jurned without day. 

At a Lawfull Society meeting of the 
inhabitants of bethany held by adjurn- 
ment on the first wensday of Desember 
:1767: it was 

10-9-"07 



A LEAF FROM THE OLD RECORDS. 



103 



1: voted that Isaac Beecher Timothy 
Ball John Lines Hezekiah Clark and Jes 
se Bradly Shall be a Comtt. for this So- 
ciety the year insewing. 

2: voted that a raight be Laid at three 
pene on the pound to be paid at the 
tenth day of September next. 

3: voted that Eliphalet Johnson Shall 
be the Colector of the above raight. 

4: voted that this meeting be ad jarned 
to next wensday at two of the Clock in 
the afternoon at the schoolhous in 
bethany. 

At a LawfuU Society meeting of the 
inhabitants of bethany held by adjiirn- 
ment on the Second wensday of De- 
sember :1767: it was 

1 : voted that it is neaesary for us to 
build a meeting house. 

2: voted that we will build a meeting 
hous fifty foot long and forty foot wide. 

3: voted that we will provide the 
boards Claboards Shin gals nail and 
glas nesesery for building a meeting 
hous the year insewing. 

4: voted that Deacon Hotchkiss Tim- 
othy Peck Daniel Toles Isaac Beecher 
Hezekiah Toles Daniel Beecher Timotby 



Ball Deacon White Samuell Brisco and 
Israel Thomas Shall be a Comtt. to pro- 
vide the above Said articals for building 
a meeting hous-. 

5: voted that a raight be Laid for 
building a meeting hous at four pene on 
the pound to be paid at the first day of 
October next. 

6: voted that half the above raight 
Shall be paid in flax seed or Sum other 
that will answer at newyork. 

7: voted that Benajah Peck Shall be 
the Colector of the above raight. 

8: voted that Short Shingals Shall be 
thurteen Shillings a thousand and Cla- 
boards five Shillings aad Six pene pr 
hundred and bords three Shillings and 
Six pence all delivered at the plais pre- 
fixed for a meeting hous. 

9: voted that Isaac Beecher Daniel 
Toles and Deacon Hotchkiss Shall be a 
Comtt. to go unto the proprietors meet- 
ing to the broad street to help to pur- 
chis a plais for a meeting house in this 
Society. 

10: voted that this meeting be ad- 
jurned unto the first wensday of Janu 
ary next at five a Clock in the afternoon 
at the Schoolhous in bethany. 



THE SCHOOLS OF BETHANY, 

BY WALLACE D. HUMISTON. 

In the geographies in common use fifty years ago it was said 
that Connecticut was famous for her excellent common schools. 
That our Puritan ancestors recognized the value of education is in- 
dicated by the early acts which were passed for the establishment 
of schools. The "Code of 1650" required that "in order that learn- 
ing may not be buried in the graves of our forefathers" that ever^^ 
town having fifty householders should maintain a school. 



I04 BETHANY. 

Soon after the settlement of New Haven, in 1638, a school was 
established which was taught by the noted Master Cheever. He 
was a worthy, well educated man. Many years elapsed after the 
time of his school before settlers had located in the upper valley of 
the West River in sufficient numbers to warrant the establishment 
of a school. Amity Parish, which included the present towns of 
Woodbridge and Bethany, was incorporated in 1737. and it is prob- 
able that there was a school in the parish previous to that date. 

The first schoolhouse in Bethany was built in 1750, at the 
crossroads a few rods north of the residence of Judge E. N. Clark. 
It was cared for by the Parish of Amity until 1762, when it passed 
under the control of the Bethany Ecclesiastical Society. The 
names of the teachers in this primitive school are not now available, 
but we may rest assured that they were worthy schoolmasters and 
and schoolmistresses. In those times the schoolmaster was regarded 
with profound respect, and when he walked through the village, 
his head bowed in meditation upon some grave question or in solv- 
ing a difficult problem, the boys in passing him doffed their caps 
respectfully. He was one of the few to receive the title of Mr., and 
he stood next to the minister in the minds of the people. 

When the Bethany Parish was incorporated by an act of the 
General Assembly in 1762 the schoolhouse immediately became the 
center of ecclesiastical, educational and civil life. Here the sturdy 
children of the community came to solve hard "sums" and to con 
the lessons in the "New England Primer," which contained the 
Westminster catechism and an alphabet beginning with 

■'In Adam's fall 
We sinned all." 

and ending with 

"Zacheus he 
Did climb the tree 
Our Lord to see." 

Here on the Sabbath our ancestors met for public worship. 
Here they convened on the hist Wednesday of each December, 
and on other "speshall" days, to discuss the civil questions of the 
parish. 

At a meeting of this kind held in December. 1763, it was voted 
that "Timothy Peck, John White and Jesse Bradley be a commitey 
to take care of the school money of this society." Again Oct. 22, 
1764, it was "Voted that the school money for this society shall be 



SCHOOLS. 105 

divided into three equall parts and to be laid out for Schooling in 
the most proper plaisses in this Society, it being left with the Com- 
mitty to say where it shall be laid out." It seems evident that the 
three schools were organized in the South, North and East Dis- 
tricts, which correspond to the Centre, Gate and Downs Dis- 
tricts of the present day. As there were no schoolhouses in the last 
two districts, the schools were taught in private dwellings. During 
the year following the school money was expended in maintaining 
the above schools. 




IHl-, DOWNS STKEl^T SCHOOLHoL S i:. 

In December, 1770, Daniel Beecher, Jesse Bradley, and Ezra 
Sperry were elected "to be a Com" for this Society to take care of 
the bank and School money the year insewing." It was "voted 
that the above Com" shall divide the School money into Destricts 
accordmg to their discresion." 

A schoolhouse was erected in the North District in 1781, at 
the junction of the Cheshire Road with the Straits Turnpike. One 
of the teachers was Isaac Judd, brother of Chauncey who was 
kidnapped during the Dayton Raid. This schoolhouse saw many 
years of service and was not replaced until 1880. 



I06 BETHANY. 

A schoolhouse was built in the East or Downs District before 
1800. It stood nearly opposite the present edifice and was occupied 
for more than a hundred years. It was detnolished in 1900. Even 
the young- people can remember this old, unpainted schoolhouse 
by the roadside. 

From the records we learn that the Beecher District, then called 
the Southeast, was established in 1789. A schoolhouse was soon 
built for the use of the district. It was the first one of the three 
which have stood on the site of the present Beecher schoolhouse. 

The North-east or Smith district was established during the 
latter part of the eighteenth century. The first schoolhouse was 
under the large chestnut near Mr. J. B. Todd's. A corner stone 
of the foundation can still be pointed out. The furniture consisted 
of slab benches placed before a shelf which extended around three 
sides of the room. A fireplace was in one end. For several years 
previous to the erection of Christ Church (1809) the services of the 
Episcopalians were held in this schoolhouse. Among the teacher^ 
in this old-time school was Julia Bradley, who afterwards became 
Mrs. Leonard Todd. A Miss Sylvia Tuttle was also a teacher there. 
The latter's sister, Miss Jennette Tuttle, taught later in this and 
other districts of the town. She is now Bethany's oldest living 
teacher. 

More than a century ago a schoolhouse was standing on 
"Meeting House Hill," near Bethany Green. It was in the Middle 
District. The building was two stories in height, the upper part 
being the Masonic Hall. It was near the meeting house, and was 
heated each Sunday, in order that the congregation might repair 
hither between the services. 

In 1802 the South, West, and Middle Districts were consoli 
dated into the Union District, which was eventually called the 
Center. When a new schoolhouse was built the old one was 
bought by Hezekiah Thomas. It was drawn across the valley to a 
site near the churches and served as a hall to a hotel built by Mr. 
Thomas. The hall was demolished about twentyfive years ago by 
the owner, Mr. Perry. 

By virtue of her charter Connecticut claimed lands to the 
"South Sea," or Pacific Ocean. These claims were ceded to the 
Federal Government with the e.xception of a tract called the West- 
ern Reserve. This was sold in 1795 and the proceeds were set 



SCHOOLS. 107 

apart for a school fund which now amounts to more than two mil- 
lion dollars. From this fund an appropriation was granted to 
Bethany which gave a fresh impetus to school affairs. The school 
records, which had hitherto been mingled with the ecclesiastical 
records, were now written in a separate book. The first meeting 
of the School Society under the new conditions is thus recorded : — 
"Oct. 31, 1796. A Lawful School Society meeting of the lo- 
cated Society of Bethany, holden at the meeting house in said 
Bethany, in the town of Woodbridge, for the purpose of forming a 
Society to take care of an appropriation the Interest of Monies 
arising from the Sale of Western Lands belonging to the State of 
Connecticut." 




THE SMITH SrKKET SCHOOLHOUSE. 

The parish districts had increased from three in 1764 to eight 
in 1797. The names of the districts and the committees in 1797 
were : — 

South (Center), Silas Hotchkiss. 

West (Center) Eber Lines. 

Middle (Center), Medad Hotchkiss. 

(Northeast (Smith), Reuben Perkins. 



I08 BETHANY. 

North (Gate), Robert Russel. 

Southeast (Beecher), Joel Hotchkiss. 

East (Downs), Eber Downs. 

Southwest (anne.xed to Woodbridge 1806), WilHam Andrews. 

A school meeting was convened Dec, 27, 181 1, in the Southeast 
District (Beecher), and it was "Voted that we build a schoolhouse 
on or about the same ground where the old house now stands, and 
fase it to the Est. Voted that Dennis Sperry, Chauncey Toles, 
Hezekiah Beecher, Isaac Sperry, Jr., be a committee to superintend 
in building said house. Voted that we cover sd house with good 
pine shingles and clapboards, clean stuff to the accep(t)ance of the 
Comittee. Voted that we sell the old schoolhous at value due to be 
taken from this ground before the first of October next." 

The vote regarding the material was rescinded at the next 
meeting, but the schoolhouse was built during 1812. January 19, 
1813, it was "voted that we give the money to Mr.William Johnson 
that the book (tax levy) and old schoolhous raised over and above 
what the committee gave for building the new schoolhouse." 

Other interesting records concerning this schoolhouse follow: 
* April 9, 1 8 19, — Voted that the commity procure a teacher for the 
ensueing summer, to begin on the first Tuesday in May and con- 
tinue five months or longer if wanted. October 27, 1820, — Voted 
the committee pay eight dollars per month for the ensueing winter. 
November 4, 1822,— Voted to have the school commence the first 
Mondav in December and continue to the first of March. Novem- 
ber 19, 1827, — Voted Obadiah Lounsbury's shop be appointed for a 
place to set up notices for school meetings in addition to the school- 
house for the year ensueing. April 9, 1832, — Voted that the com- 
mitte employ Mrs. Eliza Lines if possible at a rate not to exceed a 
dollar pr. week. Voted that religious denominations be permitted 
to hold meetings at this house not to interfere with the school 
March 21, 1833, — Voted that we tax ourselves to defray the expense 
of painting the schoolhouse and making all necessary repairs and 
to purchase the stove for the use of the school. March 31, 1837, — 
Resolved that the committee employ Mary Stevens to teach the 
summer school if she can be obtained for one dollar a week." 

The old red school-house in the North or Gate District has 
been mentioned above. It was probably occupied for a century. 



THE SCHOOLS. IO9 

At a meeting convened in this place February 28, 183 1, it was 
"voted that Juha Sperry teach the summer schooL" 

The school year was then divided into two terms. The winter 
school began in December and continued three months. This term 
was invariably taught by a male teacher. A summer school was 
"set up" about the first of May and was in session four or five 
months. The wages for this term were usually one dollar per 
week. The teacher of the winter term received somewhat higher 
wages. It was the custom for the teacher "to board round the 
district," staying a week or two with each famil3\ 




THE BEECHEK SCHOOLHOUSE. 

The following are a few interesting items culled from the 
records of the Gate District: 

March 29, 1831, — "Paid E J. Thompson, teacher of the 
North School, Bethany, the last season, the sum of $25.33.'' 
April 2, 1835, — "Voted that Mr. Russel Chatfield repair the fire- 
place and chimney sufficiently for the present and bring in his 
bill to the committee for the same." November 16, 1835, — "Voted 
that the committee procure a stove for the use of the schoo'." 
March 20, 1843, — "Voted the teacher of the winter term, Mr. D. 



no 



BETHANY. 



Brooks, shall pay for the key he lost, if not deduct from his bill." 
A district tax was levied in 1839 and the schoolhonse was thoroughly 
repaired. Enos Perkins. Levi M. Marks, Harvey Hotchkiss and 
A. A. Perkins were the committee for this work. 

In 1832 a second school-house was built in the Northeast Dis- 
trict on the site of the present building. Plans were discussed in 
regard to the erection of this structure as early as 1826. The 
present structure was built in 1876. 




THE CENTER SCHOOLHOUSE. 

The Center schbolhouse was built about 1834 and is the oldest 
one in the town. It is situated near the roadside a short distance 
south of the churches. It has been thoroughly repaired several 
times and is now in good condition. A few years ago a porch and 
cupola, for a large bell, were added. He/xkiah Thomas was one 
of the first teachers in this schoolhouse. Miss Jane French, after- 
ward Mrs. Peck, also taught here. 

The Southeast District is now known as the Beecher District- 
deriving its name from the manv families of that name who have 



THE SCHOOLS. Ill 

lived in the district. The schoolhouse now standing there was 
built in 1870, and is the third erected on that site. It was enlarged 
in 1899. A porch and large bell were also added. The schoolhouse 
is located in the highway a few rods south of the "four-corners" at 
the residence of Mrs. Allen. 

The Smith District provided for the erection of a schoolhouse in 
1876, on the site of the former one. D. B. Hoadley was the builder. 
It was ready for occupancy early in 1877. Mrs. Justine C. Coe was 
the first teacher in the new schoolhouse. It is very pleasantly 
located on a hillside which slopes to West River. There are 
abundant shade trees near the edifice. 




THE GATE SCHOOLHOUSE. 

The Straits Turnpike was built a century ago, and a tollgate was 
maintained near the Major Lounsbury house, now the residence of 
Cleveland Doolittle. The locality was designated as the "Gate." 
The tollgate disappeared long ago, but the name clung to the ham- 
let, and finally, about 1880, it was applied to the school district. 
The schoolhouse in this district having fallen into a condition unfit 
for school purposes, the school board threatened to withhold the 



112 BETHANY. 

appropriation for its maintenance, and after considerable delibera- 
tion it was decided to build a new schoolhouse. Wales H. French, 
Allen Lounsbury and Arthur Lacey were elected a building com- 
mittee. A knoll a short distance south of the old schoolhouse, called 
"The Sandhill," was chosen for the site of the new building, and it 
was completed in 1880. 

The most recently built schoolhouse is found in the Downs 
District. It was erected in 1897-8, with a thoroughness very credit- 
able to its builders. The structure is located on elevated ground on 
Downs Street, nearly opposite the site of the old building. An ex- 
tensive and pleasing view, reaching terough the "Gap" of West 
Rock Ridge, mav be enjoyed from the schoolhouse door. 

The district system of school management was abolished in 
1901, and the local school affairs have since been controlled by a 
town school committee. Under tne new management the schools 
have been kept in good condition, and compare favorably with 
those iu other towns. 

" When care and time our memories blot, 
When years our measure fill, 
We'll think sometimes of the dear old spot, 
The schoolhouse 'neath the hill." 



BETHANY. 



113 




OLD Li.NU-.iKRY, NEAR THE RESIDKN^h, >»!■ A1,1.KN u. 

"There scattere'1, oft the earliest of the year, 
By hands unseen are showers of violets found ; 

The redbreast loves to build and warble there, 
And little footsteps lightly print the ground." 



<i I.KKY, 



114 



BETHANY. 



REPRESENTATIVES TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 



1883-4, David Beecher. 

1835-6, Andrew Beecher. 

1836 7, Harry French. 

1838, Leverett Thomas. 

1839, John Russell. 

1840, Anthony F. Stoddard. 

1841, Job Andrew. 
1843, Abel Prince. 

1843, Burton Sperry. 

1844, Guy Perkins. 

1845, Joseph N Stoddard. 
184G, Miles Hitchcock. 
1847-8, Miles French. 

1849 50, Charles French. 

1851-2, Edwin Pardee. 

1853, Miles Hitchcock. 

1854 5, Robert Clark. 

1856. W;iles F. Perkins. 

1857. Ezra S. Sperry. 

1858. Adna Hotchkiss. 
1859-60. Dwight N Clark, 

1861, George Hotchkiss. 

1862, Ezra S. Sperry. 
1863 4, Andrew Beecher. 
1885-6, W. B Diokerraan. 
1867-8, Andrew T. Hotchkiss. 



1869-70, Asa C. Woodward. 

1871, Buel Buckingham. 

1872, Miles Hitchcock. 
1873-4, Garry B. Johnson. 

1875, Allen Lounsbury. 

1876, Samuel G. Davidson. 

1877, George W Woodward. 

1878, Henry E. Lounsbury. 

1879, Edward Beecher. 

1880, Street B. Todd 

1881, Denzel B. Hoadley. 
1883, Samuel R. Woodward. 

1883, Charles C Perkins. 

1884, Evelyn O Pardee. 

1885, Dwight L. Johnson. 

1886, David F. Smith. 

1887, Theron E. Allen. 
1889. Andrew J. Donlittle. 
1891-3, Ransom Chatfield 
1895, Harry F. Peck. 
1897, Dwight L. Humiston. 
18!t9, Arthur H Doolittle. 
1901, George I Babcock. 
I'JOa. Noyes D Clark. 
1905, Jerome A. Downs. 
1907, Noyes Andrew. 



BETHANY. II5 



THE DOWNS FAMILY. 

John Downs came from Cornwall, England, to New Haven before 1646. 
His children were: 

John, b. Mar, 5, 1658-9. 

Samuel, b Oct. 28. 1662; d. Dec. 23, 1711, bu. in Cong'l cem.. West Haven. 

Mary, b. Jan. 28, 1664; m. Reuben Hinman. 

Ebeaezer, b. April 3, 1667; d. Mar. 20, 1711; bu. West Haven. 

Deliverance, b. April 19, 1669. 

Elizabeth, b. April 19, 1669. 

Hannah, b. June. 19, 1670. 

John, b. Nov. 25, 1672. 

Daniel, b. Aug. 29, 1674. 

Nathaniel, b. Dec. 27, 1676. 

Ruth, b July 5, 1679. 
Samuel, son of John Downs, m July 1, 1693, Christian Pinion. Children : 

Elizabeth, b. Aug. 28, 1693. 

Samuel, b. July 23, 1696. 

Thomas, b. June 7, 1699. 

Nathaniel, b. July 17. 1702. 

Abigail, b. Nov. 4, 1704. 
Ebenezer, son of John Downs, m. Nov. 28, 1694. Mary Umphreville. 
Children : 

Esther, b Sept. R, 1695. 

Hope, b. March 11, 1696. 

Ebenezer, b. June 9, 1700. 

Mary, b. Ja 1. 22, 1701. 

Seth, b. Aug 16, 1704. 

Ebenezer, b. March 28, 1707. 

Mehitabel, b Aug. 23, 1709. 
Samuel, son of Samuel and Christian Downs, m. Oct. 29, 1717, Mary Blakes- 
lee. Tradition is that he was one of the earliest settlers of Bethany, coming 
here about 1717, and settling on a large tract of land which comprised the en- 
tire valley at the base of Mad Mare's Hill. The road which led past his home is 
still called 'Downs street." Children : 

Mary, b. June 5, 1718 

Jonathan, b. April 26, 1723. 

Samuel, b. June 4, 1720. 

Daniel, b. July 18 17'26. 
Thomas, son of Samuel and Christian Downs, m. (1) Dec. 20. 1722, Mehitabel 
Clark, who died Oct 25 1723, a. 22, and was buried in West Haven; (2) Dec. 16, 
1725, Elizabeth Bristol. Children: 

Mehitabel, b. Oct. 4, 1723. 

Elizabeth, b. Aug. 31, 1726, d. soon. 



Il6 BETHANY. 

Elizabeth, b. Nov. 17, 1727, d. Oct. 1729. 

Abigail, b. May 1, 1730. 

Thomas, b. Nov. 2, 1732, d. Sept. 5, 1751. 

Benjamin, b. March 23, 1734-5. 

Elizabeth, b. May 80, 1737, d. Oct. 19, 1751. 

Sarah, b. May 7, 1739. 

Thankful, b. June 2, 1742, d. Dec. 10, 1743. 

Daniel, Feb. 13, 1746 7. 
Nathaniel, son of Samuel andChristiana Downs, m., had two children : 

Nathaniel, b. Oct. 28, 1731, m. Sarah Ives, served in Rev. War. 

Obedience, b. Sept. 21, 1733. 
Seth, son of Ebenezer and Mary Downs, m. June 8, 1727, Mary Sperry. 
Children: 

Mary, b May 6 1728. 

Seth, b March 13, 1730-1. 

Joseph, b. Feb. 22, 1732-3. 

Marcia, b. Sept. 16, 1737. 

Ebenezer, b. Nov. 14. 1741, m. Sarah Sperry, Nov. 28, 1T63 
Jonathan, son of Samuel and Mary Downs, m Children: 

Jonathan, b. April 11, 1745, 

Sarah, b. March 11, 1747. 
Samuel, son of Samuel and Mary Downs, m. Dec 10, 1746, Sarah Humphrey- 
ville. He inherited the paternal acres and lived in the house built by his father 
on Downsstreet, Bethany. This old dwelling was demolished in I87I, and at that 
time was probably the oldest house in the town. He was a respected citizen of 
the parish and was several times elected to various church offices He died 
Feb. 7, 1801, and was buried in the "old cemetery." Children: 

Sarah, b. Nov. 29, 1747. 

Eber, b. Sept. 30, 1749; d. Feb 17, 1810. 

Samuel, b April 1752; d. May 20, 1819. 

Jarib, b. 1755; d. Feb. 26, 1802. 

Feli.x, b. 1759; d. Feb. 3, 184S, aged 89 years. 

Zeri, b. 1769; d. in Bethlehem May 3, 1840. 
Eber, son of Samuel and Sarah Downs, m Anna Hitchcock. Resided in 
Bethany. Children : 

leaac. 

Polly, m Beri .Beecher. 

Calvin, m. Dorman. 

Abner. 

Samuel son of Samuel and Sarah Downs married Rachel who died 

May 6, 1819. They lived in Bethany. They had one child : 

Meritt, b. 1780; d. June 13, 1805. 
Jarib, son of Samuel and Sarah Downs, m. (Jandace Downs. Children: 

Lyman, d. Oct. 14, 1851, aged 72. 

Laban. 

Lucena. 

Electa. 



THE DOWNS FAMILY. 11/ 

Alma, m. William Clark. 

Zina. 
Fei,ix, son of Samuel and Sarah Downs, married Phebe Downs, who died 
Feb. 9, 1844, aged 79. He was a prosperous farmer, and built a commodious 
house on Downs st., Bethany. Children: 

Leveritt, d. in 1852. 

Samuel Lewis, d. in O.xford August 28, 1874, aged 69. 

Sidney, d. in Derby, Sept 2, 1883, aged 81 years. 

Harriet, m. Ellas Lounsbury. 

Nancy. 
Lyman, son of Jarib and Candace Downs, m. Amy, dau. of Job Sperry, a 
Revolutionary soldier. Lyman lived on the old homestead in Bethany. His 
wife was b, July 9, 1787, and d. Feb. 20, 1871. Children: 

Polly, m. Orange Race, res. Pl^inville 

Charles, b May 2, 1832; d. in Bethany Feb 27, 1902. 

Elbert, b. June 18, 1830, d. Oct. 22, 1900. 

Rebecca, res. Bt-thany. 

Julianna m S. Lewis Downs. 
Laban, son of Jarib and Candace Downs, m. Hairiet Children. 

Mary Ann. 

Ransom. 

Mark. 

George. 

Willis. 

John. 

Henry. 
Leveritt, son of Felix and Phebe Downs, m. Anna Atwater. Moved to 
Oxford, Ct., in 1836, lived on the northly slope of Chestnut Tree Hill. Children : 

Laura. 

Robert, enlisted in Co. H, 15th C. V, Aug 18th, 1852, for three years, 
and was honorably discharged June 27, 1865. 

Mary Ann. 

Clarissa. 

Jeanie, res. Boston 
Samuel Lewis, son of Felix and Phebe Downs, m. Julianna Downs, dau. 
of Lyman Downs, who died July 16, 1883, aged 72. They lived on the Chestnut 
Tree Hill road, Oxford, north of the schoolhou.se. Children: 

Sarah, b. Feb. 6, 1839, m. William Bailey. 

Mary. 

Eldredge, lives in Oxford, on the Chestnut Tree Hill road. 

Alonzo. 

Frank, William A., m. Nancy A. Smith. 
Sidney, son of Felix and Phebe Downs m. 1st, Emily vSanford, who d. Oct. 
9, 1835, aged 26 He m. 2d. Mrs. Ruth Ailing. Residence Bethany. Children : 

Harriet, m. Clark Hotchkiss. 

Julia, m. Eber Carpenter. 

Einma, m. Edwin Biirdick. 



Il8 BETHANY. 

Zeri. son of Samuel and Sarah Downs, m. in Westville, Rachel, dau. of Elihu 
and Sybil (Dickerman) Sanford, who died May 22, 1861, aged 92. Late in life 
Zeri removed from Bethany to Bethlehem. He was a tailor. Children : 

Wealthy, m. Cowles, resided Bethlehem, Ct. 

Anna, m. 1st, — Kimberly ; 2d S":elton Brown; res. Bethlehem. 

Willis, b. Dec. 26, 1788 ; m. Millicent Guernsey, of Watertown, March 13, 
1832; residence Woodbury, occupation miller, d. June 2, 1860. 

Lucretia, m. Frederick Luddington, res. Bethlehem, d. July 14, 1843. 

Betsey, b. 1804, residence Bethlehem, d. Jan. 11, 1849, unmarried. 

Lewis, machinist, res Derby, m. Louisa Buel. 

Albert Zeri, b. 1806, m. Sarah Cook Pritchard, d. in Westville Juue 19, 1884. 

Frederick, farmer, residence Bethlehem, m Phebe Hawley. 

Brintha, residence Groton, m. William Cash 

Henry, b. 1817, cabinet maker, res. New Haven, m. Fannie Gabriel, d. 
April 30, 1872. 

Willis, son of Zeri and Rachael Downs, m. Millicent Guernsey. He located 

in Woodbury, Conn., where he was engaged in the grist and sawmill business. 

Albert Z , son of Zeri and Rachel Downs, m in Waterbury, Oct. 12, 1830, 

Sarah Pritchard, occupation, cabinet maker. Residence, Woodbury and New 

Haven. Children • 

Francis Henry, b. Waterbury, May 17, 1832. now living in Oklahoma. 
James Isaac, b Dec. 16, 1833, in Waterbury, engineer, d. in Westville 

Sept. 3, 1889. 
Frederick Augustus, b. Woodbury Nov. 22, 1835, farmer, res. Lyndon, 

Kas., m. Amanda Bales, of Des Moines, Iowa, Feb., 1867. 
Albert Z., b. in Woodbury Dec. 31, 1838. m. Emily Evarts. 
Edward Sanford,* b. Feb. 15, 1841, m. Hattie Umberfield, d. Sept. 18.1880. 
Sarah Louisa, b. in Woodbury Apr. 21, 1843, m. Smith Abbott of Derby 

July 4, 1887. 
William Pritchard, b. Woodbury Sept. 16, 1845, machinist, res. Westville, 

m. Emma Boardman, Sept. 16, 1877. 
Maria Elizabeth, b. Oct. 31, 1817, m. Thomas Robertson. 
Ella Cornelia, b. Oct. 18. 1850, m. Alfred Cooper Oct., 1897, res. Branford. 
Helen Augusta, b. April 21, I853,m S. Hart Culver of Seymour, Aug. 10, 1873 

dau., Helena A., b. May 18, 1875; ra. Oliver M. Williams. 
Clara Jennie, b. in Bethlehem, May 12, 1855, d. in Westville, Feb. 5, 1860. 
♦Enlisted in Co. F, 6th C. V., Sept. 8, 1961; re-enlisted in 1863, was pro- 
moted sergeant June 26. 1865; and served until the close of the war; m Harriet 
E. Umberfield in Seymour Mar. 20, 1867; d. Sept. 10, 1880, aged 39. 

Albert Zeri, son of Zeri and Sarah Downs, m. Emily A. Evarts. May 1, 
1867, in New Haven. Residence Westville. Occupation machinist. Children : 
Linna Emily. 
James Evarts. 
Edytha Alma. 
Alberta Mabel. 



THE DOWNS FAMILY. 



119 



William Henry, son of Charles and Sarah Downs, m. Nov. 28, 1880, Laver 
na, dan. of Frederuik and Rhoda ( \ustin) Tuttle, Resides in Bethany. Child: 
John Samuel, b. Sept. 26, 1882; ni Oct 9, 1907, Blanch E. Harrinjiton of 
Naugatuck. Residence Bethany. 




ORIGINAL DOWNS HOMLSTEAD, DoWXS SIKI-I- I, I'.I/IIIANV 



Elbert, son of Lyman and Amy Downs, m. Feb. 26, 1858, Catherine, dau. 
of Selden and Susan (Dorman) Bailey. Resided on the old home farm, Downs 
street, Bethany, Children : 

Theodore, b Dec 14, 18'8, m. Minnie McClure June 15, 1904, res. Downs 
St., Bethany. 

Lillian, b. July 13, 1860, 

Katie, b, Oct. 21, 18G2, m. Dwight L. Humi.-.ton Nov. 27, 1879, res. Bethany. 

William, b. July 18, 1864, 

Theodora, b. Feb, 10, 1876, d, April, 8, 1876. 

Elbert S., b. Feb. 6, 1878, Res. Bethany. 
LoNSO, son of Lewis and Julianna Downs, m. Nancy Smith. Resides in 
Southford, Ct, Children: 

Rosa, 

Fanny. 

William. • 

Harriet. 

Lewis. 



I20 BETHANY. 

Isaac, son of Eber and Anna Downs, m. Mabel Perkins of Bethany. He 
lived in Wolcott, Conn. Children : 

Kneeland, b. 1809, d. Sept 30, 1864. 

Harley, m. Leonora Norton lived in Wolcott; had dau. Esther, who m. 

Elizabeth, m. Camp. [James Huff. 

Harriet. 

Esther, m. Woodruff. 

Ambrose Ives, had a son Isaac. 
Kneeland, son of Isaac and Mabel Downs, m. Ann Andrew, who d. Aug. 
6, 1889, aged 85. He was one of the foremost in promoting the interests of the 
Methodist church of Bethany, and aided materially in its construction in 1840. 
Children : 

Sarah A., b. March 26, 1832, m. John T. Beach. 

Jerome Andrew, b. June 2, 1838. 

Mary Esther, b. July, 1844, m. John J. Warner. 

Jerome A., son of Kneeland and 
Ann Downs, m. 1st, Eliza D. Tolles, 
2d, Dec. 2, 1868, Alta H. Porter. He 
enlisted in Co. K., 10th C. V., Sept. 
26, 1861, and served three years in the 
Civil War, receiving an honorable dis- 
charge at the expiration of the term for 
which he had enlisted. He was one of 
Bethany's most respected citizens, a 
trustee and steward of the Methodist 
church, and had been elected to various 
offices in the gift of his townsmen. He 
died March 8, 1904. Children: 

Ciiftou T., residence, New Haven. 

Jerome A., b. Sept. 10, 1869, residence, 
Bethany. 

Alta H., b. Nov. 2, 1870, d. Jan. 6, 

JEROME A. DOWNS. 1871. 

1838-1904. 

Charles, son of Lyman and Amy Downs, m. Sarah Durant. Children: 
William Henry, b. April 13, 1848 

Leander, b. June. 1854, lives in Hamden, (West Woods.) 
Josephine, b. Oct. 1856. 
Augustus Thomas. 

Zina. m. Elizabeth Thomas. Res. New Haven. Children; Ella, Charles. 
Samuel B., b. Mar. 25, 1859, ra Addie Warner Oct. 25. 1898: res Bethany. 




THE DOWNS FAMILY, 



121 



Jerome Andrew Downs, son of Jerome A. and Alta H. Downs, ra. 1st, 
Nov. 6, 1890, Florence A. Rathburn ; who d. Feb. 3, 1894 : 2d, Jan. 6, 1897, 
Josephine Nettleton. He has been first selectman of Bethany for several years 
and represented the town in the Connecticut legislature in 1905. He has been a 
member of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry for twenty two years, and Master 
of Beacon Valley Grange, No. 103, for four years. He was a member of the 
Governor's Guard for twelve years and was on the Major's Staff for six years 
with rank of Lieutenant. He is a charter member of Croswell Lodge, No. 39, 
of the I. O. O. F., of New Haven, and has been a member of the Young Men's 
Republican Club for sixteen years. Children : 

Jerome Andrew, b. July 11, 1892. 
Florence Faith, b. Jan. 16, 1894. 
Josephine Emogene. b. Feb. 21, 1898. 
Alta Sarah, b. Nov. 12, 1899. 
Kneeland Porter, b July 6, 1902. 
Dwight Baldwin, b. July 6, 1902 
Stanley Hutchkiss, b. July 12, 1906. 
Frank, son of Lewis and Julianna 
Downs, m. Charlotte Smith. Children: 
Elizabeth. 

Frederick, m Nellie Bunnell. 
Elliot, m. Mary Donahue. Nelson. 
Leander, son of Charles and Sarah 
Downs, m Julia Sanford. Residence, 
Hamden. Children : 

Burton. Jessie. Irving Tuttle. 

Samuel B., son of Charles and Sarah 
Downs, m. Oct. 25, 189-, Addie Warner. 
Re.sidence, Bethany. Child: 

Samuel A., b. Aug. 25. 1899. 
Theodore, son of Elbert and Catherine 
Downs, m. June 15, 1904, Minnie McClurre. 
Residence, Bethany. 

.JKHd.ME A. IKIW.NS, 21). 

William B., son of Elbert and Catherine Downs, b. in Hamden July 18, 
1864; m. Jan. 2, 1888, Etta Blakeslee. Residence, Downs street, Bethany. 
Children : Ralph, b. Dec. 12, 1891. Isabel, b. July 29, 1993. 

Clifton, son of Jerome and Eiiza D. Downs, m. . He is an en- 
gineer, residence, New Haven. Children : 
Rolhn. 
Warren. 

Robert Downs, of Oxford, son of Leverett and Anna Downs, was born in 
Bethany Mar. 10, 1835, his parents moving to the Red Oak district, on the 
Chestnut Tree Hill road, Oxford, in 1836. He enlisted Aug. 18, 1862, for three 
years, in Co. H. 15th C. V.. and was in the battle of Fredericksburg, the s-iege 
of Suffolk, and the battle of Kinston, N. C. , Mar. 8, 1865, where he was tal'en 
piisoner and taken to Richmond, but was paroled after three days, and after a 




122 



BETHANY 



furlough was again in the service. At the close of the war he returned to the 
old homestead in Oxford which he occupied until his death in 1906. He was a 
member of the Methodist church in Naugatuck and was one of Oxford's most 
respected citizens. 



THE CARRINGTON FAMILY 



This has been one of the most respected families of the town of Bethany 
and in fact of New Haven County. The "Commemorative Biographical 
Record" of the county says— "Few names in tha history of New Haven have 
been more potent and influential," and refers to the late John B. Carrington, 
for many years the publisher of the New Haven Journal and Courier, who was 
born in Bethany in 1811. He was the son of Ailing and Nancy (Atwood) 
Carrington. The family history has been so well written up that only more 
recent names and events need be given here. 

Abram E. Carrington, whose portrait 
is here given, was the son of David and 
Rachel A Carrington of Bethany. He 
m. 1st, April 8, 1857, Sarah E., daughter 
of Jabez E and Lucretia Piitchard of 
Seymour, who died Dec. 19, 1874; 2d, 
Mary J., daughter of Henry and Malenia 
Patterson of Naugatuck, May 19, 1875. 
He was one of Bethany's most respected 
citizens, a devoted husband and a kind 
father. He died Jan. 24. 19U8, aged 78 
years, leaving an honored name and an 
example of good citizenship. He had 
enjoyed a long and successful life, and 
his end was as peaceful as his life had 
been. Children: 

Mary E., b. Aug. 26,1859; d Jan. 28, 1864. 

Willie E., b. July 22, 1862 ; d. Jan.23, 1864. 

Ida M., b. Feb. 6 1865; m. Wm. H. 

Lowell of NewHavenOct 15, 1896 ;dau: 

Marion Pauline, b. Oct. 18, 1897. 

Charles P., b. Dec. 12, 1867; res. Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Ella S, b. Jan. 16, 1870; m. Burton W. Holbrook of Seymour June 23, 
1892. Children: 
Gladys Cairington, b. July 20, 1897. 
Helen Isabel, b Aug. 15, 19C3. 




THE CARRINGTON FAMILY. 12.^ 

Otis E., b. Feb. 24, 1876; m. Charlotte Clark June 20, 1901 ; res. Bethany. 
Children: 
Bernice Ruth, b. Mar. 22. 1902. 
Beatrice May, b. Aug, 6, 1904. 
Alfred Otis, b July 9. 1907. 
Burton A., b June 12, 1877; m. Cora E. Loomis Mar. 11, 1903. 
Henry P., b. July 30, 1880. 
Rachel M., b April 9, 1882; m. Sherman P. Woodward Oct. 25, 1905; res. 

Bethany . 
Hiraoj D., b Jan 3, 1886, 
Ralph W., b April 8, 1888. 
Ruth E . b Sept. 27, 1891. 
Daniel Carrington, son of David and Thankful Carringtoa, m. Rachel 
A. Dorman June 30, 18',i0 Residence on Skokorat. Children: 

David, b. July 14, 1821; m. Elizabeth Robinson; d. Dec. 27, 18S9. 
Eliza A., b. April 17, 1824; m. Smith Terrill of Seymour. 
Albert D., b May 14, 1826. 

Abram E., b. Oct. 31,1832; m. Howard Chatfleld of Seymour, d. Nov. 12, 1906. 
Emily G., b. Feb. 16, 1838; m. Howard Chatfleld. 
Albert D. Carrington. son of Daniel and Rachel A , m. 1st, Dec 24, 1851, 
Lucretia Wheeler of Oxford, who died July 21, 1872; 2d, Sarah F. Buckingham, 
Dec. 3, 1872. Children: 

Daniel, b. Sept. 25, 1852; m. Cornelia T. Hubbell Oct. 19, 1871. Res. 

Beacon Falls. 
Wheeler, b. April 6, 1865. 
Lulu, b Oct. 12, 1873. 

Jes.sie, b. Sept 8, 1876; m. Caleb S. Fuller of Torrington Nov. 28, 1891. 
Milton, b. Nov. 10, 1879. 



THE ANDREW FAMILY. 



William Andrew was at Cambridge, Mass., in 1634. He was constable in 
1635 and 1640, and selectman in 1635. Mary, his wife, died Jan. 19, 1639-40. 
He m. 2d widow Reana James, of Watertown, Mass., about Aug. 1640. He died 
1652. He had a son — 

Samuel, b. in England about 1621; d. in June, 1701. 
Samuel Andrew, son of William and Mary, m. Elizabeth White Sept. 22, 
1652. Children: 

Samuel, b. Jan. 29, 1655 6; d. Jan. 24, 1738. 

William, b. June 7, 1658. 

John, b, March 2, 1660; d. May 30, 1693. 

Elizabeth, b April 5, 1663; m. William Gedney. 

Thomas, b. May 13. 1665; d. Feb. 24, 1668-7. 

Mary, b. Dec. 28, 1666; d. June 20, 1667. 



124 BETHANY. 

Thomas, b. March 23, 1667. 

Mary, b. Feb. 2?, 1671; d. Feb 29, 1671. 

Jonathan, b. 1698; d. May 9. 1700. 
Samuel A.ndrevv, son of Samuel and Elizabeth, was a graduate at Harvard 
1675, and removed from Cambridge to Milford, Conn., vi^^here he was ordained 
pastor of the church Nov. 10, 16S5 He worked with Pierpont and others in the 
foundinsr of Yale College, wis a member of ths first board of trustees, was 
president of the college from 1707 to 1719. an instructor in the college for several 
years, and a member of the corporation until his death. He was a clergyman 
for 52 years. He married Abigail, dau. of Governor Robert and Jane Treat 
of Milford. Children: 

Abigtil, bapt. Jan. 16, 16S7; m. Jonathan Law Aug. 1, 1706. 

Samuel bapt Oct U, 16S3; d. April 26, t7iS. 

Elizabeth, bipt. Jun'^ 1690; m Timothy Cutler. 

William, bapt. May 8. 1692; d. May 2, 1712 

John, bapt. July 22, 1694; d. Dec. 25, 1714. 

Jane. bapt. Jan. 7, 1696; d. Feb. 1, 1696. 

Mary, bapt. Jan. 7, 1696. 

Jane, bapt. April, 1699; m Andrew Durand. 

Jonathan, bapt. Aug. 24, 1701 ; d. 1740. 

Hannah, bapt. Nov. 19, 1704. 
Jonathan Andrew, son of Rev. Sam'iel and Abigail, m. Elizabeth, dau of 
Walter Smith, of Milford, Jan. 5. 1727. Children: 

Elizabeth, bapt. Sept., 1728, 

Jonathan, bapt. Oct. 1730, 

Abigail, bapt. March, 1732. 

William, bapt. June, 1734; d. Aug. 28, 1796. 

Mary, bapt, June, 1784. 

Samuel, bapt. June, 173 — . 
William Andrew, son of Jonathan and Elizabeth, m. 1st, E-^ther. dau. of 
Samuel Marchant; 2d, Margaret Merwin, of Oyster River. Children : 

William, b. 1764 ;.d. Dec 7, 1834. 

Mary, m. Stephen Priudle. 

Ellas, m. Huldah . 

Esther, m, Thaddeus Bryan. 

Roxana, m. Jeremiah Peck, 

Merwin, ra. Susan Piatt. 
William Andrew, son of William and Esther, m. Mary, dau. of Phineas 
Terrell. Res. Bethany. Children: 

Mary, b. 1792; ra. Clark Hitchcock. 

William, b. Aug. 3, 1794; d Nov. 28, 1856. 

Job, b, Aug. 19, 1796: d. Aug. 18, 1868. 

Samuel, b. 1800; m. Salmah Smith. 

Esther, b. 1803; m. Amos Hine. 

Nehemiah. b. June 5, 1805; ra. Phinette Sperry. d. Feb. i6. 1889. 

Ann, m, Kneeland Downs. 



THP: ANDREW FAMILY. 125 

William Andrew, son of William and Mary, m. Temperance, dau. of Silas 
Hotchkiss, of Bethany. Children; 

Mary, b. Sept. 15, 1813; m. Samuel Bassett. 

Hiram, m. Grace Tyrell. 

Susan, m. Stiles Russell. 

William Wooster. 

Harriet, b. 1818; m. Joseph G. Reynolds. 

Ann, m. Jackson Johnson. 

Theodore Read, m. Mary Sperry. 
Job Andrew, son of William and Mary, served in war of 1812, and repre- 
sented the town of Bethany in the legislature in 1841. He m. Jan. 4, 1815, Lois 
Prince, who d M y 9, 1874, aged 97. Children: 

Maria, b. April 5, 1817; m Sheldon Ailing of Orange. 

Jeremiah, b. Feb. 15, 1819; d. Mar. 13, 1888. 

Azariah, b. June 29. 1831 ; d. Feb. 23, 1898. 

Nathan, b. Aug. 26, 1838; d. Dec. 13, 1873. 

Eliza Ann, b. Sept. 19, 1833; m. William Smith of Seymour. 
Jeremiah Andrews, son of Job and Lois, m. in 1841 Hannah Cooper, who 
d. Apr. 11, 1888, aged 73. Res. Seymour, 3rd house south of the Bungay school- 
house. He was for many j^ears a prominent and efficient member of the Great 
Hill M. E. Cliurch. Children : 

Grace Adelaide, b. Nov 20, 1843; m. Wm. Leroy Williamson Mar. 17, 1866. 

Hannah C, b. Dec. 8, 18— m Edward N. Childs July31,1869. Res.Seymour. 

George W., b May 31. 1855. Res. Seymour. 
Azariah Andrew, son of Job and Lois, m. June 39, 1856, Sarah A. Pardee 
of Orange, who died Jan. 11, 1901. Res. Bethany. Children: 

Noyes, b. April 7, 1857. 

Fannie P., b May 17, 1858; m. John Earley of Seymour; d. June 19, 1894 

Mary E., b. Jan. 21, 1860; m. Manson S. Burgess of Derby. 

John D., b. June 9. 1861. 
Nathan Andrew, son of Job and Lois, m. Elizabeth Nettleton, who d. Dec. 
28, 1870. aged 45. Occupation, sawyer. Res. Bethany. Children : 

Celia E., b. Oct. 1. 1846. 

Jerome, b. Feb. 18, 1848. 

Llewellyn, b. Nov. 18, 1850; m. Teresa E. Washburn May 1, 1872. Res. 
Oxford. Occupation, miller. 

Jeremiah, b. Oct. 5, 1853; ra. Hattie E. Sackett. 

Charles Hubert, b. May 16, 1855. 

Elizi Ann, b. ; d. 1871. 

Nelson, b. Mar., 1861. 
Jerome Andrew, son of Nathan and Elizabeth, m. Martha E. Osborn Mar. 
26,1873. Res. Beacon Falls. Ch: 

Fred Lucius, b. Jui.e 8, 1877; m. Mabel Kate Larey Apr. 9, 1901. 
Jeremiah Andrew, son of Nathan and Eliz ibeth Andrew, m. Hattie 
Sackett Dec. 9, 1874. Res. Seymour. Children: 

Walter J., b. June 6, 1878. 

Jennie E , b. Dec. 10, lS8t. 



126 BETHANY. 

THE HOTCHKISS FAMILY 



Samuel Hotchkiss, (probably from Essex, England, and traditional brother 
of John of Guilford Conn.,) was in New Haven as early as 1641. In August, 
1642, he married Elizabeth Cleverly, and d. Dec. 28, 1663. Children: 

John, b. 1643. _ 

Samuel, b. 1645. M 

James, b. 1647. ^ 

Joshua, b. Sept. 16, 1651. 

Thomas, b. Dec, 1654. 

Daniel, b. June 8, 1657. 
Ens. Joshua Hotchkiss, son of Samuel; m. Mary Hotchkiss. Children: 

Mary, b. April 30, 1679. 

Dea. Stephen, b. Aug. 12, 1681. 

Martha, b. Dec. 14, 1683. 

Priscilla, b. 1688. 

Abraham. 

Desire, d. in 1702. 

Is .ac, b. 1701. 

Jacob, b. Feb. 7, 1704. 
Abraham Hotchkiss, son of Joshua, settled in Bethany, and had three 
daughters. 

Isaac Hotchkiss, son of Joshua, settled in BethanJ^ Children: 

Abraham. 

Isaac. 

Jacob. 

Jabez. 

Joseph, and others. 
Jabez Hotchkiss, son of Isaac, was a lifelong resident of Bethany. 
Childrei.: 

Stephen, b. Oct. 81, 1761 ; d. Nov. 5, 1847. 

Mary, b. June 3, 1762. 

Timothy, b. Jan. 22, 1768. 

Lydia, b. Apr. 1, 1768; d. 1773. 

Eleazor, b. June 4, 1770. 

Lydia, b. June 7, 1774. 
Stephen Hotchkiss, son of Jabez; m. Hannah Bvown. Children: 

Harriet. 

Harley, b. Sept 12, 1791; d. Mar. 29, 1860. 

Rebecca, m. Minott Collins. 

Wealthy, died young. 

Eber. 

Stephen, m. Abigail Hotchkiss of Prospect, Sept 10, 1887. 

Hannah, m. John Russell. 

Jared, m. Amy French. He died Aug. 25, 1854, aged 50. 

Jesse, m. Caroline Sperry. 

George, m. Laura Sperry. 



THE HOTCHKISS FAMILY. 127 

Harley Hotchkiss, son of Stephen; m. Harriet, dau of Benjamin Collins, 
who died in 1863. Res. Bethany, near the Beacon Falls line. Children: 

Wealthy Ann, m. Thomas Gilyard. 

Andrew T., d. in Bethany in 1877. 

Harris, died young. 

Charles T., b. July 9, 1834. 
Eber Hotchkiss, son of Stephen; m. Thirza Driver. Children: 

Dilazon. 

Gracia. 

Samantha. 

Jane. 

Samuel. 

Hooker. 
Jared Hotchkiss, son of Stephen ; m. Amy French of Prospect, Sept. 13, 
1840. Children: 

Henry Hooker, bapt. Mar. 24, 1842; died young 

Caroline Lucina, bap. Dec. 1844. 
George Hotchkiss, son of Stephen, m. Laura Sperry, April 4, 1841. 
Res. Bethany. Children: 

Erban Evander, bap. Aug. 13, 1843; ra. Eliv.abeth Crabtree. 

(dau.). 

(dau.). 

Andrew T. Hotchkiss, son of Harley, ra. Belind i Buckingham. Children: 

Ernest Z. 

Isa Annette, b. Apr. 29, 1853. 

Harley D. 

Andrew T. 
Charles T. Hotchkiss, son of Harley, m. in 1861 Emma V, "Watson. He 
is a school teacher, res. Cheshire, Conn. Children: 

Mary Claribel, m. Warren Andrews. 

Clarence H., d. at 6^ yrs 

Harriet I., m. Everett Pardee. 
David Hotchkiss came from Woodbridge and settled in Bethany. 
Harvey Hotchkiss, son of David, m. Sarah Ailing He built the house 
near the southern bank of Lebanon Swamp. 

Jarius B. Hotchkiss, m. Eunice Russell Jan. 13, 1839. Res. Bethany. 
Children : 

Philo Delos, b. Dec. 7, 1839. 
Edward Lester, b. Dec. 11, 1840. 
Juliet Chri.stina, b. Aug. 21, 1843. 
Jane D., b. Sept. 5, 1845. 

Harpin H. Hotchkiss, m. Charlotte E. Ailing Feb. 15, 1852. Res. Bethany. 
Children : 

Katie Irene. 

Ida Estella. 

Adelia May, bap. Dec. 7, 1872. 



128 BETHANY. 

Harvey Hotchkiss, son of b. 1781, d. Dec. 9, 1855; ni 1805 Sarah, 

dau. of Gideon Ailing of Milford. Res. Bethany. She died Sept. 21, 1862. 
Children: 

Sheldon Ailing, b. Apr. 22, 1808. 

Eliza Samantha, b. Sept 18, 1810; d. Feb. 14, 1876. 

Solomon, b. Jan. 18, 1813; m. Charlotte Hemingway; d. Jan. 7. 1886. 

Beecher Oelos, b. Feb. 11, 1815; m Betsey Perkins; d Oct. 30, 1866. 

Julius Leonard, b. June 17, 1817; m. Saphronia ; d. Feb. 17, 1879. 

Theodore Nelson, b. Dec. 20, 1810; m. Lucia Sperry; d. Feb. 27, 1888. 

Sarah Finette, b. Oct. 29, 1822; m. De Witt Clinton Castle of Seymour 
Mar. 5, 1848; d. Jan. 15, 1878. 

Orlando Thomas, b. Aug. 8, 1825: d. Dec. 11, 1828. 

Harvey Harpin, b. Feb. 16, 1828. 

Margaret Dianthe, b. June 16, 1730; m. Matthew Trewhella of Cheshire; 
d. Feb. 14, i872. 
Harpin Harvey Hotchkiss, son of Harvey and Sarah ; m. Feb. 15, 1852, 
Charlotte Eliza Ailing. Res. Prospect. Children: 

AdellaM., b Dec 13, 1852; d. Jan. 3, 1873 

Orson B., b. July 8, 1851; m. Sept. 12, 1892, Lillian Ailing. 

Katie L, b. Dec. 17, 1859; m. June 29, 1881, Herbert E Doolittle. 

Ida E., b. May 6, 1861 ; m. Nov. 29, 1882, Geo. R. Doolittle. 

Etta L, b. Feb. 1, 1868; d. Sept. 17, 1881 
Clark Hotchkiss, son of Isaac and Elizabeth; m. Caroline A. Sperrj', diu. 
of Chillon Sperry. He was for many years both deacon and chorister of the 
Congregational church, Bethany. He lived in the house now occupied by 
Clifton Rosha. Children: 

Mary, m. 1st, Elizur HicocK ; 2d, Thomas Cochran. 

Isaac, m. Mary Reed. 

Sarah. 

Isaac G, res Brent Creek, Mich. 

Fanny, 2d wife of Adrian Rosha. 

Julia, m. Thomas Higgins of An.sonia. 

Anna Gertrude, m. in 1868 Adrian C. Rosha. 

Arthur, m. Eugenia Sperry. 

Martha, m. Lyman Gaylord of Bethany, now of Moundsville, Marquette 

Co.. Wis. 

Beecher D. Hotchkiss, m. Betsy Perkins, dau. of Guy Perkins, who d. 

Oct, 3, 1S63, aged 42. He had a blacksmith shop across the road from his house, 

anJ a sawmill near, and was known as a man of varied mechanical genius. He 

d. Oct. 31, 1866, aged 62. 



GENEALOGY. 129 

THE LOUNSBURY FAMILY. 



Richard Lounsbury came from England, and his son John, of Rye, N. Y., 
had a son — 

JosiAH Lounsbury, 1st, who came from Rj-e, Westchester Co., N. Y., to New- 
Haven, and m. Ruth Lines May 7, 1724: removed to Bethany. Children: 
John, b. Jan. 18, 1724-5. 
Jacob, b. March 6, 1726. 
Mary, b. Feb. 12, 1727-8. 
Josiah, b. Aug. 5, 1729. 

Samuel b. 1731; served in the Revolutionary War. 
Ruth, b. 1733; m. Nehemiah ToUes, Sept. 20, 1759. 
Daniel, b. 1735. 

Stephen, b. 1736; m. Hannah Sperry Oct. 26, 1761. 
Esther, b. 1738. Timothy, b. 1740; d. 1821. 

Josiah Lounsbury. 2d, son of Josiah and Ruth, m. Martha Hotchkiss of 
Woodbridge, Oct. 26, 1749. Children: 

Hester, b. 1750. Linus, b. Jan. 3. 1752 

Josiah, b. 1754. Obadiah, b. 1759. 

Linus Lounsbury, son of Josiah and Ruth, m. Prudence Scott of Oxford in 
1783. He was a .soldier in the war of the Revolution, enlisting in Gen. Wooster's 
regiment in April, 1775, at the first call for troops by the legislature. In 1776 he 
was in Wadsworth's Brigade which was sent to reinforce Washington's army at 
New York. His name appears in the list of pensioners in 1833. Children: 
Josiah, b. 1785. Lyman, b. 1791. 

Calvin, b. 1786. Esther, b. 1793; m. Edmund Mallory. 

Amelia, b. 1788, m. Daniel Davis. Martha, b 1795; m. Titus Smith. 
Ansel, b. 1790. 
Josiah Lounsbury, 3d, son of Linus and Prudence, ra. Sarah, dau. of Erastus 
Lines of Bethany, in 1815. Res. Bethany. Children: 

Harriet, b. 1817; m. Willis Umberfield; res. Seymour. 
Caroline, b. 1831; m. Jessie Hotchkiss. 

Ransom, b. Jan. 30, 1828; m. Mary Joyce of Trumbull Aug. 25, 1847. 
Jairus Lounsbury, son of John and Ruth. m. Amelia Chapman, removed to 
Vermont, and after some years returned to New Haven. He was a soldier of 
the Revolution. Children : 

Collins, b. July 19, 1783; lived in Vermont; d. 1863. 
. Clarissa, b. Feb. 11, 1791; m. John Gamsby. 
Betsey, b Aug. It, 1794; m. Harvey Finch. 
Victory, b. Sept. 8, 1795; d. Nov. 25, 1868. 
Sally b. April 13 1800; m. Russell Moulton 
Crownage, b. May 20, 1803. 
David, b. Aug. 15. 1805; d. April 1, 1877. 
Timothy Lounsbury, son of Josiah and Ruth; m. 1st, Hannah Smith; 2d, 

Sally . Res. Bethany. Children: 

Lucy, m, James Hotchkiss. 



130 BETHANY. 

Hannah F., b ; m Robert R. Russell. 

Timothy, b . 

Eri, b. ; ra. Sarah . 



Eunice, b. ; m Truman Prince, 

(son) b. . 

Timothy LouNSBURY, son of Timothy and Hannah; m. Hannah, dau. of 
David and Lois French of Bethany. Res. Bethany. He was a man of excellent 
judgment and was regarded as one of the most thorough and thrifty farmers in 
the town. He lived for a long time in a little house much too small for the 
convenience of his eleven children, but in 1811, before his twelfth child was 
born, he built what was then the largest and the most costly house in the town. 
He at one time owned fourteen hundred acres of land in Bethany and in New 
York state. On what was then his farm, a few rods from the old homestead, is 
the Lounsbury cemetery, which was set apart by Timothy and enclosed with a 
neat and strong iron fence. Children: 

Dorcas, b. July, 1798; m Jabez Wilcox. 

Timothy, b. March 25, 1791; m. Mary Ann Clark. 

Lewis, b. 1793; m. Chaiity, dau. of Amos Clark of Nyumphs. 

Daniel, b. 1795; m. Sarah, dau. of David Wooding of Bethany. 

Jesse, b. Dec, 1796; m. Bede, dau. of Jesse Bradley of Bethany. 

Hannah, b. 1799; m. Herschel Sanford of Prospect. 

Smith, b. ; m. Jennette Tomlinson Feb. 11, 1824. 

Allen, b. 1803; m. Maria, dau. of Eiam Cook of Cheshire. Res Bethany. 

Eunice, b. Jan. 14, 1805; m. 1st. Vincent Brown; 2d, McDonald Fisher. 

Mary, b. Mar. 14, 1807; m. Burritt Hitchcock, sou of Timothy. 

John, b. Aug. 16, 1809; m. Mary Church; d. April 6, 1895. 

George, b Nov. 23, 1812; m. Mary Au-^tin of Prospect. 

Eri, m. Sarah (Harrington. 
Eri Lounsbury. son of Timothy and Hannah, m. Sarah Carrington. Res. 
Lounsbury street, Bethany. Children: 

Abram. Sally, m. Lyman Wheeler. 

Isaac, m. Lodemann. Harriet, m. William Todd. 

Polly, m Miles Horton. Lucy, d. unmarried. 

Rebecca, m. Asa Bradley. William H., b. Dec. 30, 1815. 

Lucretia, m. Selden Hoadley. 
Abram Lounsbury, son of Eri and Sarah, m. Emily, dau. of David and 
Lolly (Todd) Perkins, Sept. 13, 1834. Res. Bethany. Children. : 

Sarah, b. May 2, 1826; m. Nathan Clark, Sept. 6, 1843. 

David A., b. Mar. 11, 1831. 

John Wesley, b. Aug. 10, 1838. 
Isaac Lounsbury, son of Eri and Sarah, m. Lodema Children : 

Isaac. Obed, located in Meriden 

William H. Lounsbury, son of Eri and Sarah, m. 1st, Charity Bucking- 
ham; 2d, Sept. 8. 1873, Susan Beard. Children: 

Irvin, b. July 9, 1843; d. Sept. 23, 1861. 

Elford, b. Oct. 17, 1845. 

Celia, b Sept. 26, 1848; m. Charles D. Allen of Hamden Dec. 28, 1872. 



THE LOUNSBURY FAMILY. I3I 

Delia, b. Sept. 29, 1848. 

Etta, b. June 6, 1874. 

William, b. June, 1876: d. May. 1877. 

William, b Oct. 3, 1879. 
David A. Lounsbury, son of Abram and Emily, m. 1st, May 6, 1852. Susan 
M. Doolittle of Hamden ; m. 2d, Nov. 18, 1854, Nancy A. Hopkins; m. 3d, May 
16, 1878, Margaret Billervvell. Res. Bethany, until 1906, when he removed to 
Bridgeport. Children : 

Mary Etta, m. Albert Beardsley. 

Ives, b. April 21, 1861. 

John Clarence, b. June 6, 1879. 

Bertha, b. Nov. 23, 1881. 

Clara, b. April 22. 1886; d 1886. 

Dorothe, b. Aug. 19, 1893. 
Dr. John Lounsbury, son of Timothy and Hannah, studied at Wilbraham, 
Mass., and then at Yale, graduating from the medical department with the class 
of 1837. He settled in Oxford and practiced there for many years. He married 
Mary, dau. of William and Lois (Pitcher) Church, of Oxford. Children: 

Emma, b. June 25, 1845. Res. Oxford. 

Tully, b. March 8, 1847. 
Crownage Lounsbury, son of Jairus, m. Eliza Samantha Hotchkiss of 
Woodbridge, Feb 14, 1831. Children: 

William H., b. July 25, 1833; m. Julia Ladue, who d. Dec. 29, 1893; ra. 2d, 
Fanny M. Hunter. Res. We&tville. 

Mark, b. Aug. 14, 1835; m. Ann Webster June 14, 1857; res. Seymour. 

Sarah S., b. May 4, 1839; m. S. Channcey Hooker; res. Willimantic. 
Rev. Elford Lounsbury, son of William and Charity, m. Adella Seaman. 
He is a Methodist clergyman of New York City and has served as a mission- 
ary in Bulgaria. Children: 

Ethel and Irvin, died in Bulgaria. Erma. 

Elfreda. Floyd. 

Elias Lounsbury, son of Stephen, m. 1st Appalina Judd; 2d Mary Perkins. 
Children: 

Elias. 

Major. 

Newel, m, Jennette Hungerford of Bethany Feb. 12, 1837. 

Marlin. 

Belus. 

Ursula. 
Major Lounsbury, son of Elias and Mary, m. Hannah Beecher, who d. 
Mar. 7, 1876, aged 77. Res. Bethany. Children : 

Henry E., b. Feb 9, 1829; m. Mary F. Dickerman April 4, 1866 
Ransom Lounsbury, son of Josiah and Sarah, m. Mary Joyce of Trumbull, 
Aug. 25, 1847. Res. Beacon Falls. Children: 

Charles H., b. Sept. 18, 1848. 

Eliza, b. July 19, 1851; m. Herbert Beers. 

Ella, b. July 23, 1864; m. 1st, Frederick Colwell; 2d, Charles D. Roberts. 



132 BETHANY. 

Charles H. Lounsbury, son of Ransom and Mary, m. Jennie, dau. of John 
Titley of Beacon Falls. He represented the town of Beacon Falls in the 
legislature of 1877 and later removed to Seymour where he has for many years 
been a successful merchant. He was the first selectmm for a number of years, 
has since been chairman of the Board of Assessors, and is now president of the 
Business Men's Association. Children- 

Jessie May, b. June 19, 1879; d. Aug. 15, 1881. 

Mary E., b. Sept. 12, 1881. 

Charles H., b. Nov. 1, 1883; m. Mmnie E. Simmonds April 16, 1907. 

John Titley, b. Nov. 15, 1890. 



THE DOOLITTLE FAMILY 



This family has included many citizens of sterling worth in this grand old 
town, men whose influence has also been felt far beyond its limits, and men 
who in the earlier years did their full share in the formative period of our free 
institutions. The family is descended from Abraham Doolitile, one of the 
earliest settlers of New Haven, owning a house there as early as 1643, and was 
prominent in the affairs of the then new settlement. He died Aug. 11, 1690, 
aged 69, and his wife, nee Abigail Moss, Nov. 5, 1710. 

Isaac Doolittle of Bethany, son of Reuben and grandson of Caleb of 
Hamden, m. Ursula, dau. of Ami Hoadley. Children: 

Andrew J., b. , 1842. 

Ellen S., ra. George Dorman. 
Mary J., m. Hezekiah Lindsley. 

Luther, enlisted in the 10th C. V. and was killed at the battle of 
Kingston, N. C 
Andrew J. Doolittle, son of Isaac and Ursula, served in the war of the 
Rebellion in Co. H, 23d C. V. He is a member of Admiral Foote Post, G. 
A. R., of New Haven. He was elected representative to the General Assembly 
in 1888, and has been selectman and assessor. He m. in 1870 Jo.sephine, dau. 
of Benjamin Bishop, of Woodbridge. They have one son: 

Arthur H. Doolittle, b. Aug. 12, 1871. He represented the town of 
Bethany in the legislature in 1899, and has filled various positions of responsi- 
bility and trust. He is a member of Olive Branch Lodge. F. & A. M., and 
Crosswell Lodge, I. O. O. F., and was for two years master of Woodbridge 
Grange. 

Dennis W. Doolittle, son of Bennet and Minerva Doolittle and grandson 
of Reuben, kept a grocery store at Mt. Carmel for a short time, and in New 
Haven for about fifteen years, and was engaged in the wood and coal business 
there for .several years. In 1884 he settled in Bethany, and in 18S6 opened a 
grocery store there. He m. 1st, in 1>^67, Evelina I., dau. of Philos Dorman; 2d, 
in 1878, Rosa N. Dorman, sister of his first wife. Children: 
Cleveland B., b. in 1884. 
Warren P , b. in 1885. 



"1 



BETHANY 



SKETCHES AND RECORDS 



PART 2. 



>^ 



BETHANY 



Sketches and Records, 



PART 2. 



PUBLISHED BY 

W. C. SHARPE. SEYMOUR, CONN. 



RECORD PRINT. SEYMOUR. 
1913. 



}- /df 



INDEX. 



The Centennial Celebration, 135-140. 

Chronological Data, 140. 

List of Clergymen 141-148. 

List of Church Members, 149-171. 

List of Baptisms. 172, 173. 

The 150th Anniversary Celebration, 174. 

Historical Sketch of the Church, 174-180 

150th Anniversary Committee, 186. 

Biographical Sketches, 182-188. 

ILLUSTRATIONS. 
Pine Grove aud Bethany Lake, 135. 
The Hoadley Falls. 149. 
Home of Nathan F. Mansfleld, 151. 
Lambert Wooding Homestead, 153. 
The Hoadley Mill, 155. 
Home of Mrs. A H. Downs, 157. 
Home of Mrs. M B. McClure, 159. 
The Capt. Dayton Place, 161. 
The Archibald Perkins House, 163. 
Residence of Samuel B Downs, 165. 
A Bethany Charcoal Pit, 167. 



The Gate School, 169. 

Perry's Hall, Oct. 10, 1913, 171. 

The Church Oct 11, 1913, 175. 

Interior of the Church as decorated, 177. 

At the tables in Perry's Hall. 179. 

The "Meetinghouse," 1769-1831, 181. 

Residence of H. F. Peck, 187. 

The Frederick Warner House, 188. 

PORTRAITS. 
Elson E. Beecher, 186. 
Nathan Clark, 182. 
Edwin N Clark, 184. 
Clark Hotchkiss, 183. 
Dwight L. Humiston, 185. 
Wallace D. Humiston, 186. 
Justus Peck, 183 
Harry F. Peck, 184. 
Nelson J. Peck. 187. 
Clifton D. Rosha, 187. 
Dea. Theophilus Smith, 182. 
Rev. John W. Wright. 185. 



Z 



^71, 



r 




PINE GROVE, ON THE BORDER OF BETHANY LAKE. 

Bethany Hills. Bethany Vales and Bethany LaUes are woithy representatives 
of New Ensrland scenery. 



THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 

The Centennial Celebration, Oct. 12, 1863. 



(Prom the Connecticut Herald and 
Journal, New Haven, Nov. 1, 1863.) 

On the twelfth of Octoiber the 
people of Bethany celebrated the 
one hundredth anniversary of the first 
org-anization of a church there, and the 
settlement of the first pastor. Rev. 
Stephen Hawley. At 10 o'clock thej 
assembled around his grave where a 
handsome stone bears the inscription. 
"Erected on the Centennial, October 12, 
1863," and sung "One Hundred Years 
Ago," united dn prayer, and listened tc 



an address by Rev. J. L. Willard, of 
Westville. They then passed to the 
field in which Mr. Hawley was or- 
dained in the open air, and sung "One 
Hundred Years to Come," and were ad- 
dressed by Rev. E. W. Robinson, of 
Bethany, and Rev. D. M. Elwood, of 
Woodbridge. 

In the afternoon an address was de- 
livered in the Congregational church 
by Rev. S. C. Brace, the pastor, from 
the historical portions of Which we are 
permitted to pubhsh the following 
extract: 



136 BETHANY. 

In 1739, one hundred and one years 
after the settlement of New Haven, the 
parish of Amity was set off, contain- 
ing terrlitory from the townships of 
New Haven and Milford. In 1742, Rev. 
Benjamin Woodbridge was settled as 
the pastor. 

. In 1762, upon the memorial of Joel 
Hotchkiss and others, it was enacted 
by the general assemlbly, that the in- 
habitants of the Parish of Amity, "liv- 
ing north of an east and west line 
drawn from the south end of the 
Widow Hannah Sperry's dwelling 
house," should be a distinct Ecclesias- 
tical society to be named Bethany. 

The first meeting of this society was 
held Novemiber 13, 1762, at the school 
house in Bethany, probably that which 
stood near the present residence ol 
Mr. John Kline. Deacon Joel Hotch- 
kiss was dhosen moderator, and James 
Sherman, clerk, who was sworn by 
Samuel Sherman, Esq. 

A society's committee was then 
chosen, viz: Timothy Peck, John 
White, Isaac Beecher, Daniel Tolles 
and Joel Hotchkiss. 

It was voted that meetings shall be- 
gin on the second Sabbath in Decem- 
ber and hold until the last in April. A 
rate, or tax, was laid at a penny half- 
penny on the pound, for defraying the 
charges of preaching for the year en- 
suing. Gershom Thomas was chosen 
collector. This meeting is described in 
the records as a lawful society meet- 
ing of the inhabitants of Bethany in 
New Haven and Milford. It is to be 
presumed that public worship was in- 
stituted in accordance with the vote, 
but where it was held and who ofll- 
ciated as the preacher, are not known. 

At a society meeting held in March, 
1763, it was voted that meetings shall 
begin in this place on the second Sab- 
bath in November next, and at a meet- 
ing in April, Deacon Joel Hotchkiss and 
Mr. Timothy Peck were appointed a 
committee to apply unto the Reverend 
Association, at their next convention 



for their advice to a candidate to 
preach in said society upon probation, 
in order to settle among them. 

The association held dts meeting at 
Waterbury, May 31, and the minute on 
this subject, as recorded by Rev. War- 
ham Williams, contains these words: 
"We, having maturely considered the 
matter, unanimously advise said so-' 
ciety to Mr. 'Stephen Hawley, as a 
suitable person, highly approving of 
him for that purpose." 

In June, Mr. Isaac Beecher and Mr. 
Samuel Downs were appointed "to ap- 
ply unto Mr. Hawley" and it was voted 
"that the time of probation shall be 
for the space of three months." 

In August, the society invited Mr. 
Hawley to become the pastor, offering 
him "two hundred pounds settlement, 
and proposing to give him fifty-flve 
pounds salary the first year and then 
rise with the list to seventy pounds a 
year, and there stop." Mr. Hawley's re- 
ply was dated Bethany, Sept. 12, 1763. 

At a society meeting in September, it 
was voted that the ordination take 
place on the second Wednesday in Oc- 
tober, and that on the first Wednes- 
day a fast preparatory to the ordina- 
tion should be observed. It was also 
resolved "to apply unto the Rev. Mr. 
Woodibridge, of Amity, the Rev. Mr. 
Trumbull, of North Haven, and the 
Rev. Mr. Waterman, of Wallingford, to 
attend the above said fast." 

At the same meeting, it was voted 
that Deacon Joel Hotchkiss, Mr. Daniel 
Tolles, Mr. Timothy Ball, Mr. Samuel 
Biscoe and Mr. John White, be a com- 
mittee "to apply unto the Rev. Moder- 
ator of the Consociation of New Haven 
county, in order to settle the Church of 
Christ in Bethany, according unto the 
established ecclesiastical constitution 
of this colony, and to transact all the 
affairs of the society that are neces- 
sary in carrying on said ordination." 

The tradition is that the ordination 
services were performed in the open 
air, in a field near the fork of the roads 



THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 



137 



below the residence of Mrs. Mary Brad- 
ley. It is believed that there was in 
that field a small rude building whicli 
was used as a house of worsihip, until 
the church edifice was erected, six 
years after the ordination of Mr. Haw- 
ley. The society meetings were always 
held in the school house, during these 
six years. In December, 1763, it was 
voted "that tihe society's committee take 
care and provide some person to sweep 
the school house and .talte care of the 
door." This provision we should hard- 
ly expect for society meetings alone, 
and it might be inferred that the 
school hou.se was the place of worship. 
But in 1767, it was voted "that Mr. 
Timothy Peel?;, Mr. Daniel Tolles, Mr. 
Ebenezer Bishop, Mr. John Perkins and 
Mr. Samuel Biscoe sit on the fore 
seat." Tills vote seems hardly applic 
able to a scthool house. Besides in Mr. 
Hawley's New Year's discourse for 1769, 
it is said of those who died during the 
year — "their places are empty in this 
house of God." From ithis language we 
should infer that they then worshipped 
in an edifice set apart for that pur- 
pose. 

The ordination sermon was deliv- 
ered by that eminent Divine, Dr. Bel- 
lamy, of Bethlehem, from I Corin- 
thians 11, 2. Mr. Hawley was a na- 
tive of New Milford and was gradu- 
ated at Yale college in 1759, in the 
same class with Dr. Trumbull, of 
North Haven. At the time of his or- 
dination, he was 26 years of age. It is 
probable that he studied theology with 
Dr. Bellamy. Before coming to Beth- 
any he had resided for a time in Strat- 
ford, where his eldest child was born. 

Three years after Mr. Hawley's or 
dination, i. e., in November, 1766, the 
society adopted a resolution, "that it is 
necessary for us to build a meeting- 
house." A committee was appointed 
to apply to the county court to fix 
the place. Difficulties seem to have 
arisen; a second application to the 
court was made in 1768, a third in 



1769; and at length in May, 1769, it 
was voted "that we are willing to 
build a meeting house at the last stake 
set by the Honorable County Court's 
Committee." On this question ' there 
were 29 in the affirmative and 10 in 
the negative. A committee, consisting 
of Isaac Beecher, "Ensign" Clark, and 
Israel Thomas, were appointed to pur- 
chase the land from Isaac Hotchkiss. 

The edifice was erected in the latter 
part of 1769, on the summit of the hill 
south of the churches now standing, 
near the present residence of Mr. Ed- 
ward Buckingham. In December of 
that year, a committee was appointed 
"to seat the three first seats in the 
meeting house." 

During this period of delay, the so- 
ciety passed some votes which amuse 
us at this day. In December, 1767, it 
was voted "that we will provide the 
boards, clapboards, shingles, nails and 
glass, necessary for building a meet- 
ing house the year ensuing." A tax was 
laid and it was decided that one-half 
might be paid in "flax seed, or some 
other species that will answer in New 
York." The society fixed the price to 
be paid for different kinds of lumber. 
The building was to be fifty-five feet 
long and forty feet wide. 

In December, 1768, a vote was passed 
"that we get the timber this winter and 
set up the meeting house as fast as we 
can." It was ordered "that those that 
score timber for the meeting house 
shall have two shillings sixpence per 
day; and those that hew shall have 
three shillings and sixpence per day." 
Deacon White and Deacon Hotchkiss 
were appointed "to cull the clapboards 
and shingles for the meeting house." 

In March, 1769, it was voted "that 
this Society give free liberty for a 
belfry to be built on the meeting 
house," but this liberty was not then 
used. 

In January, 1770, the Society meeting 
was held for the first time, in the 
meeting house. When edifice was 



13^ BETHANY. 

dedicated is not known. 

It was customary to appoint par- 
ticular persons "to tune the psalm." 
In 1765, the choristers were Valentine 
Wilmdt, Benajah Peck, and Stephen 
Sanford. In 1770, on entering the new 
church, a larger number received this 
appointment, viz: Isaac Baldwin, Joel 
Hotchkiss, Thomas Beecher, Anav 
Ives, Lazarus Tolles, Timothy Louns- 
bury, Nathanial Tuttle, and Nehemiah 
Tolles. At this time it was voted that 
the choristers sit together near the 
foot of the pulpit stairs. 

The sacred edifice was still what we 
should esteem uncomfortable. In 1771 
a committee was appointed "to give 
liberty to people to build pews in the 
meeting house where they see cause" 

In 1773 a tax was laid to color the 
meeting house, and case the windows, 
and to provide boards for the inside of 
the house. 

In 1774 a vote was passed "that the 
meeting house be colored blue, and the 
windows white," but soon a special 
meeting was called and it was decided 
to color it white. 

In December, 1776. it was voted "to 
finish the lower part of the meeting- 
house, and in front of the galleries." 

In 1777 Nathaniel Tuttle, Isaac Bald- 
win, Daniel Tolles and Joel Hine were 
chosen "to tune the psalm, and sit In 
the fore seat in the front gallery." 

In 1778 it was voted "that the So- 
ciety shall pay Mr. Hawley's salary in 
provisions, labor and other species, ac- 
cording to the first stating of pro- 
vision by the General Assembly — wheat 
at six shillings, and other things In 
proportion; and those that do not pay 
in the aforesaid species of provision, 
&c., shall pay money equivalent." 

At the same meeting a committee 
was appointed to seat the meeting- 
house, viz.: Deacon Peck, Capt. Ball 
and Ensign Jacob Hotchkiss; and it 
was ordered that "the committee shall 
have regard to age, and what each one 
has paid to the building of the said 



house, and according to their discre- 
tion with all." 

In December, 1779, a vote was passed 
"that the Committee shall lay out the 
over-plus money of finishing the 
meeting-house, on the steps and other 
ways as they think best." 

Thus at the end of ten years from 
its raising, the house seems to have 
been considered as in a manner fin- 
ished. In 1791 the Society voted "to 
take up three seats in the square body 
and to build pews on each side of the 
broad alley." In 1792 it was resolved, 
"That the Society may build a stee- 
ple to the meeting house, if they can 
get money enough signed to build said 
steeple." But the steeple and bell were 
not added until 1803. 

Going back in the history we find in 
1783 a committee appointed "to assist 
the church of England committee to 
find a place for them to set a church 
on." 

In 1779 the society began "to confer 
with Amity about being made a town." 
This subject was one of much discus- 
sion and negotiations, and of some 
strife in regard to a place for a town 
house. The town was set off in 17.S1 
and named Woodbridge, in honor of 
the first minister of Amity The sep- 
aration of Bethany as a town began 
to be agitated in 1803; but was not 
accomplished until 1832. 

Other names of those who acted in 
society business before 1800, are (plac- 
ing them in order of time), Jesse Brad- 
ley, William Wooding, Deacon Isaac 
Johnson, Josiah Lounsbury, Deacon 
Peter Perkins. John Lines, Timothy 
Hitchcock. Ephraim Turner, Abraham 
Carrington, Ezra Sperry, Daniel Beech- 
er, Jonathan Andrew, Reuben Sperry, 
Amos Hitchcock, Jonathan Tuttle, 
Deacon James Wheeler, Jacob Hotch- 
kiss, Jared Sherman, Edward Per- 
kins, Jesse Beecher, David P'rench, 
Raymond Sanford, David Thomas. 
Lamberton Tolles, Roger Peck, John 
Russell, Medad Hotchkiss, John 



THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 



Thomas, Hezeklah Thomas, Caleb An- 
drews, Elihu Sanford, Jr., Reuben 
Perkins, Hezekiah Johnson, Lucas 
Lines, Jared Tolles, John Wooding, 
Darius Beecher, Deacon Hezekiah 
Beecher, Jared Beecher. 

Two men are still living who were 
members of the Ecclesiastical society 
in Mr. Hawley's time— Eden Johnson 
and Joel Andrews. 

Mr. Hawley became so infirm at 
about 60 as to be unable to preach 
constantly, especially in the winter 
months. But he continued to officiate 
more or less until 1803, the year be- 
fore his death. Some now living re- 
member him as a trembling old man, 
with white locks. He was often led 
to the church, and assisted into the 
pulpit; and was sometimes able to de- 
liver only a part of his discourse It 
is remembered that on one occasion he 
fell in the pulpit, and was carried 
home. He was tall and very spare; 
and his appearance made a deep im- 
pression on the young. 

In the Connecticut Journal, (New 
Haven), of July 26th, 1S04, the fol- 
lowing obituary notice of Mr. Hawley 
appeared: — 

Woodbridge, July 23. 

On the evening of Tuesday, the 17th 
inst. after a long and tedious illness, 
departed this life in hope of a blessed 
immortality, the Rev. Stephen Hawley, 
Senior Pastor of the church in Beth- 
any, in Woodbridge, in the 67th year 
of his age. 

This worthy and good man, after 
having received a liberal education In 
Yale college, where he was graduated 
in 1759, was afterwards settled in the 
ministry at Bethany. There he la- 
bored, to good acceptance, for a num- 
ber of years, until by the Providence 
of God he was disabled from his work. 
The Rev Mr. Jones was, in June last, 
ordained a colleague pastor with him. 

The funeral was attended on Thurs- 
day last. The corpse was borne to the 
meeting house by a number of respect- 



139 

able citizens. A solemn and well 
adapted sermon was delivered before 
a deeply affected audience by the Rev. 
John Foote, of Cheshire, from Job 
XIV-4 — "If a man die, shall he live 
again? All the days of my appointed 
time will I wait, till my change come." 
After Divine service, the interment 
was performed with decency and sol- 
emnity. 

Such was this Christian minister. 
He was very useful to his people dur- 
ing his ministry and was sincerely be- 
loved by his flock, w^o in his visita- 
tions, as well as in his ministrations 
in the sanctuary, "he held his face as 
it had been the face of an angel; for 
he was conversant among them with 
gravity, prudence, modesty, humility, 
candor, wisdom and benevolence." 

Mr. Hawley's first wife was Mary 
Bellamy, of Hamden. She had three 
children. The second wife was Me- 
hetable Hotchkiss, daughter of Deacon 
Joel Hotchkiss. She removed to New 
Haven in 1806, with her three children, 
and resided there until her death in 
1827. 

Two of Mr. Hawley's New Year 
sermons were printed — those of 1769 
and 1771. They give the reader a 
most favorable impression in regard to 
his activity of intellect, and his sol- 
emnity and earnestness as a preacher. 
They are certainly the productions of 
a man above mediocrity. They show 
that he himself was deeply serious, 
and that he possessed uncommon abili- 
ty to set forth his thoughts in an im- 
pressive manner. There is a remark- 
able vividness of style, and even some- 
thing of imaginative brilliancy; but all 
is deeply solemn The statements of 
evangelical truth are clear and Scrip- 
tural; and the appeals to the hearers 
are forcible and affecting. 

A few months before his death Mr. 
Hawley selected out some of his ser- 
mons for the use of his family, and 
the widow was in the habit of read- 



I40 BETHANY. 

ing them to her children. The re- 
mainder, written chiefly in shorthand, 
(as in part were those which were 
preserved), he destroyed. His pen- 
manship when he wrote with care, was 
beautiful. 



It is gratifying to have, in the two 
printed sermons, so strong a portrait- 
ure of Mr. Hawley's mind and heart — 
glimpses of the preacher as he was, in 
thought, feeling, and expression. Thus 
he "l)eing dead, yet speaketh." 



CHRONOLOGICAL DATA. 



1750— First place of public worship erected. 
Used also for a school house and always so 
mentioned in the records. 

1755— Winter parish privilej^es granted by the 
General Assembly. 

1762— Bethany incorporated an ecclesiastical an 
civil society similar to other parishes in 
Connecticut. 

1763, Oct. 12-The Church of Christ ortranized 
and the Rev. Stephen Hawley ordained and 
installed first pastor. 

1769-1773— The meetiotrhouse erected. 

178»— Town priviletres granted to the parishes of 
Amity and Bethany. 

1803— Sf^eple and bell added to the meeting- 
house. 

1804, June 6— The Rev. Isaac Jones ordained 
and installed second pastor of the church, 

1801. July 17— Death of the Rev. Stephen Haw- 
ley. 

1806— Trial and deposition of the Rev. Isaac 
Jones. 

1808— Close of a controversy which resulted in 
the withdrawal of sixtyone members. 

1809--The endowment fund increased by sub- 
scription. 

1810. August 22 -The Rev. Nathaniel G. Hunt- 
ington ordained and installed third pastor 
of the church. 

1823— Dismission of the Rev. Mr. Huntington on 
account of ill health. 

1826— Court decision obtained that church funds 
should bi exempt from taxation in Connec- 
ticut. 



1829. Jan. 17— General Conference convened in 

this parish which resulted in the addition 

of thirtytwo members to the church. 
1831. Oct. 13-- Dedication of present house of 

worship. 
1832--Incorporatioa of the town of Bethany 

with the same geographical limits as the 

parish. 
1832--The Rev. Jarius Wilcox installed pastor. 
1834— Installation of the Rev. John B. Kendall. 
1851 --Old parsonage sold and the house oppo- 

posite present house of worship purchased. 
1855— Installation of the Rev. E. W. Robinson 

as pastor. 
1863. Oct. 12--Celebration of the one hundredth 

anniversary of the church. Erection of 

monument at the grave of the Rev. Stephen 

Hawley. 
1866--Meetinghouse ex'ensively repaired and 

altered by lowering galleries, removing 

pews and enclosing porch. 
1876. April 5— Ordination and installation of 

the Rev. W. S. Woodruff who was dismissed 

two years later. 
1890— Death of Deacon Clark Hotchkiss who 

served the church in this capacity sixtytwo 

years. 
1897 Nov. 3— Ordination of the Rev, Chas. S. 

?4acFarland. 
19n3--c;nurch edifice repaired. 
1913 -One hundred Httieth anniversary of the 

organization of the church. 



141 



THE MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH. 



In all the New Eng-land settlements 
the first public organization was the 
church. The first public building was 
the meeting house. The first public 
officer provided for was the minister. 
As an old writer says: "In the first 
settlement of New England, when the 
people judged their number competent 
to obtain a minister, they then sever- 
ally seated themselves, but not before, 
it being as unnatural for a New Eng- 
land man to live without a minister as 
for a smith to work his force without 
a fire." 

The first minister of the Church of 
Christ in Bethany was the Rev. Ste- 
phen Hawley. His pastorate was the 
largest in the history of the church,' 
and worthy perhaps of the most ex- 
tended notice, but a good sketch of 
Mr Hawley's life, written fifty years 
ago by the Rev. S. C. Brace, having 
appeared in a recent issue of the Rec- 
ord, is it considerd advisable to omit 
in this article. 

Rev. Isaac Jones, son of Isaac Jones, 
was born in New Haven Feb. 16, 1775, 
and graduated from Ya>e college in 
1792. He came to Bethany to preach 
June, 1803. Jan. 26, 1804, the society 
voted to call Mr. Jones. Daniel Tolles, 
Col. Joel Hine and John Thomas were 
appointed a committee "for that pur- 
pose." Mr. Jones' license had expired 
and had not been renewed. He 
brought a paper from certain minis- 
ters in Georgia. An advisory council 
was called April 17, 1804; but con- 
trary to their advice, the consociation 
was invited to ordain him without a 
renewal of license. 

Mr. Jones made the following reply 
to the call: 

"To the Church and Congregation of 
Bethany in Woodbridge. 
"Gentlemen — I have officially re- 
ceived from you a paper containing 



your desire, as expressed in a vote, 
that I should engage to settle with you 
in the important work of the evan- 
gelical ministry, for which you will 
be pleased to accept my sincere grati- 
tude. 

"The object for which you have 
called me is certainly noble and im- 
portant; it is of immense magnitude, 
both as it respects yourselves, and 
the rising generation among you; and 
it may be observed that the societies 
are doubtless at liberty to make choice 
of a minister, whose example they 
would make the pattern of their mor- 
als, and whose powers they judge will 
be the most persuasive to righteous- 
ness. The minister whom you have 
therefore chosen, is to be your spirit- 
ual teacher in holy things, to preach 
the word, to be instant, in season and 
out of season, to reprove, rebuke and 
exhort, with all long-suffering and 
doctrine. 

"I have considered my inability 
without the strength of the Divine 
Immanuel; and although I have been 
sustained through some trials uncom- 
mon to the morning of ministerial life, 
by a very kind and blessed Provi- 
dence, yet my ardor and delight in the 
sacred ministry is not lessened. 

"I have therefore considered your 
vote with that attention that it mer- 
ited; and accordingly I do now signify 
my acceptance of your call to the 
work of the gospel ministry. 

"I am, with gratitude and esteem, 

yours, 

"ISAAC JONES. Jun'r. 

"Woodbridge, Feb. 24, 1S04." 
April 18, 1804, the Ecclesiastical so- 
ciety voted — "To concur with a vote 
passed by the church to call the West- 
ern consociation to ordain Mr. Jones." 
"Voted — The 6th day of June next, 
at 11 o'clock, be the time for ordina- 



142 



BETHANY. 



tion, and the council meet the day be- 
fore at 10 o'clock in the forenoon." 

The Consociation met at the house 
of Rev. Stephen Hawley, June ^ 
1804. Dr. Benjamin Trumbull, ot 
North Haven, moderator, and Rev. Ira 
Hart, of Middlcbury, scribe. Rev. Mr. 
Hawley expressed a desire that the 
consociation would proceed to ordain 
Mr. Jones. The council held in April 
had declared — "That to admit the li- 
cense which Mr. Jones received from 
certain ministers in Georgia would be 
to relinquish very necessary and use- 
ful regulations and stipulations, and 
that it is unhappy that the church and 
society proceeded to improve and 
make choice of Mr. Jones, and that 
he accepted their choice, when the 
recommendation of the association 
which introduced him as a candidate 
for the ministry had expired and was 
not renewed." The consociation, quot- 
ing these words, concurred in this 
declaration, but in consideration of 
concessions made by Mr Jones to the 



bcr of copies of this sermon are still to 
be found in Bethany homes. 

At a church meeting holden on the 
16th day of October, 1806: 

"Voted — That Isaac Jones, Jr., be the 
clerk, pro tempore. This church tak- 
ing into consideration their peculiar 
situation as a Consociated church, oc- 
casioned by the extraordinary and un- 
precedented proceedings of the associa- 
tion now in session on certain charges 
exhibited toy Mr. Timothy Hitchcock 
(through the procurement of Mr. 
Medad Hotchkiss, who is not a church 
memtoer,) against the Rev. Isaac Joncs, 
pastor of this church; and, for the 
reasons this day detailed by our worthy 
pastor, in his remonstrance to bi' 
handed in to said association, as wtll 
as for others reasons; 

"Voted — ^That this church do now 
withdraw from all connection with the 
Consociated churches in the WestLrn 
district in New Haven county, and do 
heretoy declare and make it known that 
in future this church will toe and re- 



council in April, and promises to main an independent church. Passed 
abide by the usages and order of the in church meeting unanimously, (thlr- 



Consociation^signed by him — and in 
order to adjust matters peaceably, the 
Consociation voted to ordain Mr. 
Jones; but adding the solemn protest 
against all such irregularities. 



teen members present.)" 

Attest: Isaac Jonts, Jr., Moderator 
and Clerk pro. tern. 

Thtre wtr^ present at the Con- 
sociation, November 18, Benjamin 



The appointments for the religious Trumbull, D. D., and Rev. Messrs. Ab- 

ner Smith, Oliver Hitchcock, Bezalell 
Pinneo, Abraham Ailing, Holland 
Weeks, Ira Hart, John Hyde and dele- 
gates. Rev. Dr. Trumbull retired from 
the Consociation. 

In regard to the whole result of the 
association, the Consociation, on re- 
view, ratified and established it. U 
pronounced a sentence of exclusion 
from all ministerial and Christian ft 1- 



service were: 

Rev. Daniel Bronson, 

Introductory Prayer 

Rev. James Dana, D. D 

Ordination Sermon 

Rev. Benj. Trumbull, D. D 

Consecrating Pray-r 

Rev. Messrs Williston, Trumbull, Ai- 
ling, Smith To Impose Hanls 

Rev. Noah Williston Charge 



Rev. Abraham Ailing, lowship upon Mr. Jones and declared 



Right Hand of Fellowship 

Rev. Bezalell Pinneo 

Concluding Prayer 

The sermon delivered by Mr. Jones on 
the Sabbath after his ordination, as his 
inaugural s?rmon, was printed. A num- 



that he had no longer authority 
from the Consociation to preach or ad- 
minister the gospel ordinances. 

A communication was sent to Mr. 
Jones by the Consociation, containing a 
statement of their doings. This Mr. 



THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 



143 



Jones refused to accept, declaring thai 
he would receive no communication 
from this body. Advi'ce being asked: 
"The Consociation advise the church 
that in case Mr. Jones and the seced- 
ing (brethren propose in a constitutional 
way to call the Eastern Consociation in 
New Haven, to sit with this body and 
hear the aWegations against Mr. Jones, 
they consent to the same." April 21, 
1807. The two Consociations met, and 
were in session three days. It was 
decided that Mr. Jones might be re- 
stored on making suitable confession. 
A confession was prepared and Mr 
Jones publicly assented thereto. But 
November 3, 1807 the New Haven West 
Consociation assembled at Woodbridge, 
declared that Mr. Jonts had not com- 
plied with the advice of the united 
Consociations and was pursuing a 
course subversive of ecclesiastical or- 
der; and therefore that the decision of 
November, 1806, was in full force, and 
Mr. Jones was without ministerial au- 
thority. His farewell sermon was 
preached in the hall of the Wheeler 
house, December 11, 1808. His text wae 
from Jeremiah 12:10-11: "Many pastors 
have destroyed my vineyard, etc." The 
address was printed. Mr. Jones be- 
came an Episcopalian with many of 
his congregation. On November 6, 1809, 
the newly formed Episcopal society 
voted Isaac Jones "a person worthy 
and well eiualified for the gospel min- 
istry." He was admitted as a candi- 
date for orders, later becoming a dea- 
con and a priest, in regular succession. 
He was the first rector of Christ 
church and remained here for about 
two years. He was stationed in Litch- 
fif'ld, 1811-1826; in Huntington, 1831- 
1834; Hitchcockville, 1837-1839; Bethany, 
1841-1842; Milton, 1845-1847, and then for 
years chaplain in the Litchfield county 
prison. He died in Litchfield, March 
17, 1850. He had a son and a daugh- 
ter. The son died a year after the 
father, the daughter the next year and 
the mother the next. 



Rev. Nathaniel Gilbert Huntington, 
son of Deacon Jos'.ah and Abigail 
(Gilbert) Huntington, was born in 
Rocky Hill, Connecticut. Oct. 30, 
1785. He was fitted for college un- 
der Rev. Dr. Nathan Perkins of West 
Hartford. He was graduated from 
Yale College 1806. June 6, 1809 the 
Hartford North Association licensed 
him to preach and he came to Beth- 
any, the following v^ctober. June 6, 
1810 the Ecclesiastical society voted. 
This meeting does concur with the 
vote of the church in this place this 
day to give Mr. Nathaniel G. Hunt- 
ington a call to settle with us in the 
work of the "Gospel Ministry." Th-3 
consociation met at the house of 
Elihu Sanford Aug. 21, 1810; and the 
ordination took place on the follow- 
ing day: 

SERVICES, 
.ev. Caleb Pitkin 

Introductory Prayer 

Rev. Nathan Perkins, D. D ..Sermon 
Rev. Benj. Trumbull, D. D 

Consecrating Prayer 

Trumbull, Smith and Pinneo 

Impose hands 

B. Pinneo Charge- 
Jason Allen Right hand 

Abraham All'ng 

Concluding Prayer 

There were fifteen ministers pres- 
ent at the ordination of Mr. Hunt- 
ington. 

About two years after his ordina- 
tion Mr. H. had a hemmorhage— he 
took a year's rest. During the re- 
maining years of his pastorate his 
health was poor. The state of hi.s 
health is indicated by a number of 
oommunications which he made to 
the society, and it became worse as 
the years went on so that he asked 
to be dismissed. His dismission oc- 
curred in March 1823. He remained 
in Bethany, then removed to Oxford, 
where he was a farmer fourteen 
years, supplying the pulpit some- 
times at Salem (Naugatuck); and he 



Rev. 
Rev. 

Rev. 



144 



BETHANY. 



preached three or four Sabbaths in 
Oxford. His health became worse 
and he removed to Orange, lived 
nine years there in tolerable health, 
and died Feb. 10, 1848. His wife 
was Betsey Tucker, of Bethany, a 
native of Derby, whom he married 
in 1821. Her father was Zepheniah 
Tucker. She was the mother of four 
children. Mr. Huntington issued two 
geographies published in Hartford 
He wrote for the Christian Specta- 
tor. 

After Mr. Huntington's dismission 
the pulpit was supplied, for four 
years, chiefly by Rev. Abraham Ai- 
ling of Hamden. From March 182G 
to March 1827, Rev. Samuel Tillot- 
son Babbit preached half the time, 
alternating with Mr. A. Abraham 
Ailing was born in Stamford, Dutch- 
ess county, N. Y. He came to Ham- 
den and at 16 or 18 joined the North 
Church in New Haven. He became 
a farmer. At 44 he was ordained 
and installed pastor of the church in 
Whitneyville (Oct. 19, 1797-Oct. 22, 
1822.) After the close of h's pastorate 
there ihe became acting pastor of 
the church in Bethany. He died on 
h":'s farm in Hamden July 22, 1837 
Aged 83. Samuel Tillotson Babbitt, 
born in Huntington Mar. 30, 1800, 
was graduated from the Yale Theo- 
logical Seminary in the class of 
1826. He was ordained at New Ha- 
ven, Nov. 7, 1827. He preached in 
the new settlements of Western New 
York fo nearly thirty years. Mr. 
Babbitt never had a pastoral charge. 

Rev. Ephraim G. Swift preached 
here from Jan. 1828 to Jan. 1830. He 
was the son of the Rev. Seth Swift 
of Williamstown, Mass. He had 
been a colleague with Dr. West, in 
Stockbridge, Mass., and had preach- 
ed in Oxford. He was in Killing- 
worth 1843-50; afterwards at Chester 
He died while on a visit in the state 
of New York, Aug. 28, 1858. 

In 1830 S. C. Baldwin and Geo. 



Goodyear preached here. 

The Rev. Nathaniel Taylor, D. D., 
of Yale supplied the pulpit much in 
1831, 1832. He preached the dedica- 
tion sermon of the present house of 
worship, Oct. 13, 1831. There were 
tjeveral other ministers present on 
the same occasion. Dr. Taylor died 
Mar. 12. 1858. 

Ja'rus Wilcox was born in Crom- 
well, Conn. (Upper Middletown) Mar. 
8, 1802. He studied for a time at 
Bangor Theological Seminary and 
then at Yale Theological Seminary 
(two years) class of 1830. The con- 
sociation met at the house of Lewis 
Thomas (Wheeler house) Nov. 6. 
Present Rev Stephen W. Stebbins, 
Zephan'ah Zwift, Leonard Bacon. 
Chas. Thompson, Abraham Browne. 
Jason Atwater. Corresponding mem- 
bers, E. T. Fitch. D. D., J. B. Rich- 
ardson, Henry Herrick 
Introductory Prayer .. C Thompson 

Sermon E .T. Fitch. D. 1) 

Ordaining prayer ... S. W. Stebbins 
Swift and Stebbins ... Impose hands 

Charge Swift 

Right hand Browne 

Address to people Atwater 

Concluding prayer Herr'ck 

1834, June 17, Consociation met to 
dismiss Rev. J. Wilcox, who wa.= 
dismissed with testimony to his abil- 
ity and fruitfulness. 

1834, July 23. Rev. John B. Kendal! 
was called by this church and so- 
ciety and installed Aug. i2, 13, 1834. 
He was d'smissed June 7, 1836. 

From 1836 to 1840 the pulp't was 
supplied by many different preachers 
Rev. Erastus Colton came in 1836 and 
was succeeded by Rev. I. D. Moore. 
In 1838 Rev. W'lliam H. Adams, Rev. 
Josiah Abbott and Rev. Geo. Taylor 
supplied. In 1839 Rev. Eli B. Clark, 
Rev. Irvin. and Rev. J. Curtiss. 

In March 1840 Rev. Saul Clark was 
hired and remained until March, 
1842. He came to Bethany from 
South Egremont, Mass. While here 



THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 



H5 



he taught a high school in addition 
to his pastoral duties. 

In 1842 the pulpit was supplied by 
Rev. Cyrus Brewster, Rev. Geo 
Thatcher and others. 

The services of Rev. Daniel B. Butts 
were engaged in May 1843. Mr. 
Butts was born in Home, N. Y. Dur- 
ing the years he lived in Bethany he 
occupied the Congregational parson- 
age, which stood on the cross-road 
west of Chas. Booth's. After it was 
sold, the house was kown as the Par- 
son Butts place. It was burned sev- 
eral years ago. Two of Rev. Mr. 
Butts' children were baptized in Beth- 
any, Eugene and Edwin, Eugene died 
Jan. 24. 1846, and is buried in the 
Congregational cemetery. Mr. Butts 
remained in Bethany five years, un- 
til 1848, 

Rev. W. W. Belden preached here 
in 1S4S and was invited to settle as 
pastor, but declined. In 1848 Rev. 
Augustus Smith, and Rev. Ira H. 
Smith were supplies. 

Rev. Fosdick Harrison was engaged 
in March, 1849, and remained until 
December 1851. 

He began to preach in Bethany on 
the second Sabbath in March 1849. He 
lived while in Bethany in the Lycias 
Beecher house, now occupied by Mr. 
Murphy. 

While in Bethany, he officiated at the 
funeral of George Peck, who was the 
first one buried in the Methodist 
cemetery. Mr. Harrison was the 
author of the interesting epitaph 
which Peck's gravestone bears. 

The Rev. - osdick Harrison, who is 
pastor of the Southington Congrega- 
tional cliurch is a grandson of the 
Bethany minister. 

In December, 18.51, Rev. Alexander 
Leadbetter was hired as supply, and 
remained until Sept. 1854. 

Rev. Ebenezer W. Robinson cami 
from Hanover, Cann., (a village in thi 
town of Sprague,) Octdber, 1854, and 
was installed Pastor May 2, 1855. The 
services were as follows: 



Prayer and Reading of Scriptures,.. 

Rev. C. S. Sherman 

Sermon Rev. Mr. Hazen 

Installing Prayer Rev. S. Topliff 

Charge Rev. Cleaveland 

Right Hand Rev. Putnam 

Address to the People Rev. Beebe 

Concluding Prayer Rev. Thayer 

Rev. Mr. Robinson lived in the par- 
sonage which the society had pur- 
chased in 1851, where Mrs. Celia Perry 
now lives. He was dismissed August 
15, 1860, but continued to reside in 
Bethany until about 1865, when he was 
dismissed by letter to the Congrega- 
tional church in Washington, D. C. In 
1863 he was one of the speakers at the 
Centennial. 

Rev. Seth C. Brace, son of the famous 
Rev. Joab Brace, was ordained and in- 
stalled pastor O'f this church June 26, 
1861. The services were as follows: 

Prayer and Reading of Scripture 

Rev. W. W. Atwater 

Sermon Rev. John Todd, D.D. 

Ordaining and installing prayer 

Rev. E. L. Cleavelaind, D.D. 

Charge Rev. Jonathan Brace, D.D. 

Right Hand Rev. Austin Putnam 

Concluding Prayer 

Rev. A. C. Raymond 

A few of the older members of the 
church remember Mr. Brace. 

He pre.pared a historical address for 
the Centennial celebration, and after 
that event collected a large amount of 
matter which has never "been published. 
Much of the data in this article is ob- 
tained from this source. Mr. Brace re- 
signed the pastoral charge April 17, 
1864. In his communication to the so- 
ciety, he wrote: "I wish to be consid- 
ered as making this proposition not 
only without complaint, but with grate- 
ful acknowledgement of your forbear- 
ance and kindness, and most earnest 
wishes for the prosperity of this church 
and society." The consociation assem- 
bled May 18th and resolved: "That in 
assenting to the dismissal of Rev. S. 
C. Brace, from the pastoral charge of 



146 ' BETHANY. 

the church in Bethany, this council de- 
sires to express its high estimate of the 
Christian and ministerial character of 
the retiring "pastor of his fidelity and 
zeal in discharging- the duties of his 
pastorate * * * and of his scholarly 
and ministerial ability." He lived in 
New Haven until 1871 and after that 
date in Philadelphia until his death, 
January 25, 1897, aged 85. 

Rev. D. M. C. Blwood, M.D., of 
Woodbridge, was the acting pastor of 
the church for a number of years, until 
1867. We regret that we have few 
facts in regard to Mr. Elwood. 

S. W. Barnum was stated supply in 
1869 and 1870. 

The church voted December 12, 1875, 
to extend a call to Rev. William Lotiis 
Woodruff. He was ordained and in- 
stalled pastor of the church April 5, 
1876. He lived in the house nearly op- 
posite the church, which had formerly 
been the parsonage. He conducted a 
school for boys which became popular. 
Perry's hall was built for the gymnas- 
ium for his academy and after the 
school was closed it was called Gym- 
nasium hall for many years. Mr. Wood- 
ruff was a man of great intellectual 
ability. He presented, December 12, 
1876, his resignation, to take effect in 
three months as previously agreed, and 
June 9, 1871 the church voted to unitt 
with Mr. Woodruff in calling a council 
for his dismission. The council failed 
to convene. Another invitation was ex- 
tended and a council, consisting of min- 
isters and delegates from neighboring 
churches, convened and the pastoral re- 
lation was dissolved July 7, 1878. 

Mr. Woodruff went from Bethany to 
Hamden and was master of the Ever- 
est school, in Centerville, for a time. 

Since Mr. Woodruff's time the pulpit 
has been supplied by ministers study- 
ing at the Yale Divinity school. The 
high reputation of Yale attracts many 
ordained ministers, who have gradu- 
ated from some other theological semin- 
ary, but who desire to obtain a de- 



gree from Yale. Thus the church has 
been able often to secure men of mark- 
ed ability who have maintained a high- 
er standard of preaching than would 
have been the case if a resident minis- 
ter had been ma'ntained with the salary 
which this church can offer. On the 
whole this has been the most satisfac- 
tory plan, circumstances considered, al- 
though the system has its serious 
drawbacks. The chief of these, non- 
residence of the minister, has been 
partly offset by the fact that many of 
the ministers have spent the long sum- 
mer vacation in Bethany. 

George Boothwell supplied the pulpit 
from March, 1880, to March, 1881. 

William G. Roberts, March 20, 1881. 
to March 20, 1882. 

J. C. Mitchell was acting pastor from 
March. 1882, to March, 1884. 

C. B. Whitcomlb, April, 1886, to April. 
1887. 

R. J. Thomson, May, 1892, to Decem- 
ber, 1892. 

J. O. Jones. March, 1893, to October, 
1894. 
J. Deane, November, 1894. 
H. W. Johnson, September, 1895, to 
September, 1896. Mr. Johnson wrote a 
history of the church which was print- 
ed in the Seymour Record. He was 
eventually ordained to the Congrega- 
tional ministry, which was not the de- 
nomination to which he had previously 
adhered. 

Rev. Charles F. MacFarland began 
his work in Bethany in October, 1896. 
He expressed a desire to be ordained 
here, and a council was called for that 
purpose, which met on Wednesday, 
Nov. 3. 1897. The order of service 
was: 

Invocation. Rev. Frederick Lynch. 

Anthem, Choir. 

Reading of Scripture, Rev. B. M. 
Wright. 

Hymn 339. Congregation. 

Sermon, Rev. Professor L. O. Bras- 
tow. 



THE CONGRF.GATIONAL CHURCH. 



147 



Prayer of ordination, Rev. Professor 
E. L. Curtiss. 

Anthem, Choir. 

Charg-e to the candidate, Rev. Pro- 
fessor G. B. Stevens. 

Right hand of fellovi^ship, Rev. John 
C. Wilson. 

Hymn, 1,019, Congregation. 

Prayer, Rev. S. P. Marvin. 

Benediction. 

Rev. C. F. MacFarland was the sev- 
enth minister to be ordained by this 
church. He remained in Bethany un- 
til 1899. In the summer of 1898 he 
was in Europe and during his absence 
the pulpit was supplied by E. G. Zel- 
lars, of Yale. Mr. MacParland has 
risen high in the ministerial ranks; is 
the author of many religious books, 
and is at the present time executive 
secretary of the Federal Council of 
the Churches of Christ in America. 
He lives in New York city. 

Rev Philip J. Phelps preached here 
during 1899. He now resides at 
Bakersfield, Cal., without pastoral 
charge. He was ordained in 1901 

The church was closed for about a 
year, lieing reopened Nov. 1, 1901, 
with Rev. Shirley J. Case for its min- 
ister. Mr. Case was an interesting 
speaker. He remained here until De- 
cember, 1903, when he received a call 
to the United church, Beacon Falls. 

In December, 1903, Rev. J. F. John- 
ston, M. A. (Yale) Ph. D. began to 
preach in Bethany. He went from 



I)er to December, 1906. 

In December, 1906, Rev. G. Douglass 
Milbury, of New Brunswick, Canada, 
began his labors in this church. Five 
members were added during his min- 
istrations. He took a great interest in 
the people of the community and suc- 
ceeded in increasing the size of his 
congregations. He also preached at 
the Methodist church. Upon finishing 
his course in the Yale Divinity school 
he returned to New Brunswick, in 
June, 1908, preaching his farewell ser- 
mon here on the 14th. 

Rev Elmer Edwin Burtner, brother 
of the Rev. Otto W. Burtner, preached 
here beginning June 21, 1908. His 
I'ome was in Hinton, Virginia. He 
was a very popular young' minister, 
ind the church regretted to have him 
leave, in January, 1909, for the First 
Congregational church Derby, where 
he was ordained Oct. 12, 1909. 

It seems a noteworthy fact that from 
Bethany ministers have accepted calls 
to Beacon Falls, Seymour, Ansonia 
and Derby, in regular order. Mr. 
Burtner remained in Derby to 1910, 
accepting at that date a call to the 
First Congregational church of Mis- 
soula, Montana. 

Fev. Herman Henry Lindeman, of 
Nebraska, supplied the pulpit from 
January, 1909, to May 22, 1910, a 
longer period than most of the recent 
ministers have spent here. He was 
ordained in 1910, and the same year 



Bethany to Seymour Congregational became pastor of the church at Red 



church in June, 1904. 

Rev. van Lubken preached here 
from June, 1904, until June, 1905. 



Lodge, Montana. 

Rev Howard Grant Parsons gave 
his first sermon in Bethany, May 23, 



Rev. Otto W. Burtner, ordained in 1912. He gained the respect and es- 
1901, began here in June, 1905. Mr. ; teem of the people of Bethany His 
Burtner, as well as several succeeding : last Sunday here was Dec. 18th, 1910. 

The next minister was Paul L. Kir- 
by, who remained here imtil June, 
1911, then, after finishing his course 
in the Divinity school, he accepted a 
pastorate in Maine. 

Rev. Homer L Scott came next and 



ministers, officiated at the Methodist 
church, Bethany, in the afternoon. 
He was called to the First Congrega- 
tional church of Ansonia in Septem- 
ber, 1906, where he is still pastor. 
Rev. Dr Roop officiated here for a 



few months following-, from Septem- ' preached during the summer. His 



148 BETHANY 

home is in Concord, N. C. Rev. Ever- | 
ett E. Bachelder, of Pittsfield, N. H., 
a graduate of Dartmouth college, was 
here from Sept., 1911, to June 2, 1912. 
The Sunday school was re-organized 
while he was the minister. He ac- 
cepted a call to the church at Stan- 
wich, Conn., where he was ordained 
Oct. 5, 1912. 

Rev. James W. Newton, of London, 
England, began his ministerial labors 
in Bethany in June, 1912, and contin- 
ued to officiate here until May, 1913. 



He took a very keen interest in the 
affairs of the church, and sought in 
every way to promote its interests. 
He now has charge of a church in 
North Madison. 

The present minister is Rev. John 
W. Wright, of Pylesville, Md. He 
graduated from the Western Mary- 
land college in 1911. Mr. Wright's 
sermons are preached without refer- 
ence to notes and they are so helpful 
and instructive that he holds the close 
attention of his audience. 



149 




THE HOADLEY FALLS. 



THE MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH. 



A most important phase of the his- 
tory of a church is its membership. Tht 
members indeed, malie the history. 
They represent the highest and besi 
type of society in the community in 
which they live and they set a standard 
for morality. If some fall short of 
high ideals and, in the words of a mem- 
ber of long ago, have thereby "woundeii 
the cause of Christ and the brethren 
and sisters of this branch of His 
church," it is not just for us to con- 
demn the whole church for the sins ol 
a few. 

That the names of those who, durins? 
the last hundred and fifty years have 



been connected with the First Church 
of Christ, in Bethany, may be made ac- 
cessible and convenient for reference, 
the following list has been prepared: 

There is now no record of memhc rs 
of the church from its organization un- 
til 1814, a period of just about fifty 
years, although the early records are 
complete in most other rtspects. Ilev. 
Seth Brace stated fifty years ago that 
the earliest lists were lost, and it seems 
improbable that they will ever be re- 
covered. To overcome this dcfiiciency 
the names of those who labored in the 
cause of Christ during the long and 
prosperous ministry of the Rev. Stei>hen 



I50 BE'lHANY. 

Hawley, have been compiled in alpha- 
betical ordir. The list contains the 
names of all who worshipped in his 
consreg-ation before 1800, as far as the 
records show. Here again we find un- 
fortunately that the names of few wo- 
men have been preserved. Most of the 
persons mentioned were probably com- 
municants. All were inhabitants of 
Bethany before 1800, and many of them 
were the first settlers. A few of tht^ 
first comers had died before the incor- 
poration of the parish. 
Ailing, Lemuel. 
Ailing, Noah. 

Andrew, Jonathan, the son of Jona- 
than 4, Rev. Samuel 3, Samuel, 2, Wil- 



Ball, Widow Mary. 

Barnes, Jacob. 

Beecher, Beri, son of Deacon Hezekiah 
Beecher, married Polly, daughter of 
Isaac Downs. He lived where Wal- 
lace Sax ton now lives. One of his 
sons was Beri, Jr. 

Beecher, Calvin, lived on the Krell 
farm. He died May 11, 1806, aged 35 
and his widow married a Kimberly. 

Beecher, Daniel Lieut., died November 
5, 1796. aged 67. 

Beecher, Darius, was a man oif wealth. 
He built the fine house later occu- 
pied by Lewis Thomas and Orrin 
Wheeler. He moved to the W(st and 
lost his fortune, it is said. 



Ham 1, lived in the "'Milford Side" of Beecher, Widow Hannah, probably the 



the parish. 

Andrew. William, son of Jonathan 
above, married, first, Esther March- 
ant; second, Margaret Merwin. He 
was baptized June, 1734, and died 
August 28, 1796. 

Andrews or Andrus. Caleb, was early 
appointed to dig graves. 

Andrews, Ebenezer. 

Andrews. Widow Sarah. 

Atwatcr, Amos, son of Jonathan and 
Sarah (Beach) Atwater. married 
Hannah Ives, of Cheshire. 



widow of Samuel Beechtr. who died 
in 1760. 

Beecher, Deacon Hezekiah, the son of 
Isaac and Mabel (Hotchkiss) Beech- 
er, was born April 6. 1738. 

Beecher. Isaac, son of Samuel and Han- 
nah Beecher, was born in 1717. He 
died Octobtr 28, 1801. Married Mabel 
Hotchkiss, who died February 19, 179S, 
agtd 79. Samuel Beecher. his father, 
was a son of Isaac 3. Isaac 2, John 1, 
the first settler. 

Beecher, Jared. 



Atwater, David, son of Jonathan and Beecher. Jesse, son of Isaac and Mabel 



Sarah Atwater, lived near the Anan 
Atwater house, (now occupied by D. 
L. Humiston.) He was the father of 
Anan Atwater. 

Atwater, Jesse, brother of David At- 
water. 

Atwater, Jonathan, a descendant of 
David Atwater, the first settler, lived 
on the corner south of the Smith 
school. He married Sarah Beach. He 
died February 24. 1795. aged 75. 

Atwater. Moses, son of Jonathan 
above. 

Baldwin, Isaac. 

Baldwin, Matthew. 

Ball, Timothy, died June 7, 1786, aged 
78. His son Timothy, moved to Wa- 
terbury about 1815. Descendants live 
in Oakville. 



(Hotchkiss) Beecher, was born April 
20, 1741 and died April 7, 1813. His 
son, Jesse, was an itinerant Metho- 
dist minister. Hoel Beecher was a 
son of the latter. 

Beecher, Justus. 

Beecher. Lymon. "Bethany and its 
Hills," states that the Beochers in 
Bethany claim relationship with Ly- 
man Beecher, the noted Litchfield 
minister. 

Beecher, Lycias, built the house at the 
center, north of churches. 

Beecher, Thomas. 

Beecher. Wheeler. 

Hecrs, David. 

Beers. Nathan, lived north of the 
Smith school. He died May 9, 1837, 
aged 74. Mary, his wife, died August 



THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 



151 




RESIDENCE OF NATHAN F. MANSFIELD. 



9, 1845, aged 74. 

Bishop, Ebenezer, became an Episco- 
palian and was a warden. He died 
January 2, 1794, of smallpox. 

Bishop, Joseph, died February 27, 1819, 
aged 62. Olive, his wife, died Novem- 
ber 20, 1842, aged 79. 

Bradley, Jesse. 

Bradley, Jason, son of Joseph and 
Miriam (Gilbert) Bradley, was born 
January 1, 1741. Joseph was the son 
of Joseph 3, Joseph 2, William 1. 

Bradley, Reuben. 

Briscoe, Samuel. 

Briscoe, Widow Mary. 

Briscoe, Widow Sarah. 

Bronson, Timothy. 

Brown, Timothy. 

Buckingham, Abijah. 

Buckingham, Oliver, father of Buel 
Buckingham, of Beacon Falls. 

Carrington, Abraham, lived in "Milfor'l 
Side" and his barn is still standing. 



His estate was settled June 5, 1799. 
Father of Ailing Carrington. 

Castle, Jehiel, Dr., came from Water- 
bury just before 1800 and succeeded 
Hooker as the parish doctor. Father 
of Dr. Andrew Castle. One of the lat- 
ter's daughters married Orrin Wheel- 
er, another John W. Weed. 

Clark, Aaron. 

Clark, Lazarus, Jr. 

Clark, David. 

Clark, D. E. 

Collins, Benjamin. 

Collins, Joe. 

Collins, Joseph. 

Downs, David, son of Eber and Anna 
(Hitchcock) Downs, was baptized in 
Bethany, June 29. 1783 by Rev. Bela 
Hubbard, of Trinity church. New Ha- 
ven. He lived on Downs street. 

Downs, Felix, . son of Samuel and 
Sarah (Humphrey ville) Downs. He 
marrird I'hebe Downs, who died Feb- 



152 



BETHANY. 



ruary 9, 1844, aged 79. He built a large 
house on Downs street, which wa^ 
torn down about fifteen years ago. 
He died February 3, 1848, aged 89. 

Downs, Isaac, son of Eber Downs, was 
baptized June 29, 1783. He married 
Mabel Perkins and moved to Wolcott, 
Conn. Father of Kneeland Downs. 

Downs, Joseph, son of Seth and Mary 
(Sperry) Downs, was born February 
22, 1732-3. 

Downs, Samuel, son of Samuel 3, 
Samuel 2, John 1, married Sarah 
Humphreyville. He died Feb. 7, 
1801, aged 81. 

Downs, Widow Sarah. 

Downs, Zeri, son of Samuel and Sarah 
Downs, moved to Bethlehem, Conn, 
and died there May 3, 1840. 

Driver, James. 

Foot, Isaac. 

Ford, Amos. 

French, Esq. David, son of Israel and 
Sarah (Loveland) French, was born 
Jan. 30, 1742. Married Lois Lines. He 
died Aug. 4, 1821. Jane French, 
daughter of Harry, the son of David 
French, married Justin Peck, of 
Cheshire. Harry F. Peck, their son 
lives near the old homestead. 

Hine, Capt. Joel, one of the leaders in 
the Isaac Jones controversy, is 
buried in rear of Episcopal church. 

Hitchcock, Amos, Capt., son of John 3, 
Nathaniel 2, Matthias; was born in 
1724 and died in 1791. He married 
Dorcas Foot, of Br ford. 

Hitchcock, Amos, son of the above, 
was born 1762 and married Sarah 
Sperry of Bethany. Lived in the 
valley just north of where Sergent's 
brook crosses the road. 

Hitchcock, Ebenezer, son of Capt. 
Amos and Dorcas (Foot) Hitchcock, 
was born in j.751. 

Hitchcock, Eli., ron, Capt. Amos and 
Dorcas (Foot) Hitchcock, lived in 
Bethany, where Albert Hosley lives, 
the farm is still owned by a descen- 
dant. He had two sons. Grant and 
Miles He died Sept. 27. 1846, aged 



78. Abigail, his wife, died Nov. 8, 
1808, aged 36. 

Hitchcock, Joseph, son of Ebenezer 
and Anna (Perkins) Hitchcock. Ebe- 
nezer was son of Nathaniel, son of 
Matthias. 

Hitchcock, Rebcckah, daughter of 
Ebenezer and Rebekah (Thomas) 
Hitchcock. 

Hitchcock, Timothy, son of Ebenezer 
and Anna (Perkins) Hitchcock, was 
born 1713. 

Hitchcock, William. 

Hooker, Dr. Hezekiah, lived in a 
"mansion" on the north side of the 
old Bethany Green. The celar place 
is still visible. He died in 1799. 

Hoadley, Ami, lived at Hoadley Mills. 
The house (torn down aiid moved to 
Prospect a few yea -s ago) and mills 
were built by him. His children 
were Ursula married Isaac Doolittle; 
Harriet married William Burnham; 
and Garry married Lucy Doolittle 
and remained at the homebtead. 

Hotchkiss, Aaron. 

Hotchkiss, Abraham, son of Ensign 
Joshua and Mary Hotchkiss, v/as 
one of the first of the name to locate 
here. 

Hotchkiss, Benjamin. 

Hotchkiss, David E"sha, lived north 
of the Smith school. 

Hotchkiss, Elias. 

Hotchkiss, Ezekiel. 

Hotchkis.'^, Jabez, son of Isaac, born 
June, 1701, who was son of Ensign 
Joshua and Mary Hotchkiss. 

Hotchkiss, Jacob, son of Isaac 3, 
Joshua 2, Samuel 1. 

Hotchkiss, Joseph, con of Isaac. 

Hotchkiss, Capt. Joel. He was one of 
the first deacons of the church. He 
died Feb. 3. 1819, aged 73. 

Hotchkiss, Joel, Jr., son of t.ie above. 

Hotchkiss, Medad, Lieut. 

Hotchkiss, Samuel. 

Hotchkiss, Solomon. 

Hotchkiss, Stephen, son of Jabez 
Hotchkiss. 

Hotchkiss, Silas. 



THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 



153 




THE LAMBERT WOODING HOMESTEAD. 



Hotchkiss, Zedekiah. 

Ives, Anan. 

Ives, Abel. 

Johnson, Eden — Lived in a house cast 
of Frank Warner's residence. He and 
Joel Andrews were the only two 
membeis of the ecclesiattical society 
of Mr. Hawley's time who were liv- 
ingr at the time of the centennial. 

Johnson, Eliphalet. 

Johnson, Gideon. 

Johnson, Hezekiah, died March 6, 1818, 
aged 70. 

Judd, Asi (?) Built the house where 
William Keefe lives. 

Kimball, Thomas, son of Thomas and 
Mary Kimball, died Sept. 6, 1830, 
aged 91. 

Linos, Abel. 

Ijines, Ebcnezor. 

Lines, Eljer. 

Lines, John 



Lines, Lucas. He was a tory and was 
known as Luke Lines. 

Lounsbury, Elias. 

Lounsbury, Eri, son of Timothy and 
Hannah (French) Lounsbury, mar- 
ried Sarah Carrington. Two of his 
sons were Abram and W.lliam H. 
The latter was born Doc. 30, 1815. 
His son, also William, lives at the 
old homestead at the present date. 

Lounsbury, Josiah, son of Josiah and 
Ruth (Lines) Lounsbury was born 
Aug. 5, 1729. He married Martha 
Hotchkiss. 

Lounsbury, Linus, son of Josiah and 
Martha, was born Jan. 3, 1752. 

Lounsbury, Stephen, son of Josiah and 
Ruth (Ijines) Lounsbury was born 
1736 and mnrried Hannah Sperry, 
Oct. 26, 176:. 

Lounsbury, Timothy, son of Josiah and 
Uulh was hnni 1740, died 1821. He 



154 



BETHANY. 



married first Hannah, daughter of 
David French. He built the fine old 
mansion on Lounsbury street in 1811. 

Martin, Samuel. 

Nelson, Silas. 

Nettleton, Eli, lived in North Bethany, 
where his lineal descendant, Harry 
Nettleton now lives. 

Nettleton, John. 

Nettleton, Widow Sarah. 

Payne, Abraham. 

Payne, Isaac. 

Parker, Ebenezer. 

Peck, Benajah Deacon. 

Peck, Lydia. 

Peck, Samuel, son of Timothy Peck. 

Peck, Timothy, was the first of the 
name to settle in Bethany. He was 
a prominent man anJ was influen- 
tial in obtaining winter parish privi- 
leges in 1755. He was the son of 
Samuel 3, Joseph 2, Henry 1. 

Perkins, Archibald, son of Azariah and 
Anne (Johnson) Perkins, (Azariah 4, 
John 3, John 2, Edward 1). He kept 
the old Perkins Tavern after the 
death of Edward Perkins. He mar- 
ried Sarah Nettleton. 

Perkins, David, son of Reuben Per- 
kins. 

Perkins, Edward, probably the first 
proprietor of Perkins Tavern, was 
born Oct. 25, 1743. He was the son 
of Peter and Mary (Peck) Perkins, son 
of Peter and Hanah (Lord) Perkins, 
son of Edward and Elizabeth (But- 
cher) Perkins. Edward married first 
Mary Thomas, second, Rosanna Judd, 
sister of Chauncey Judd, the stolen 
boy. 

Perkins, Isreal, son of Edward Perkins 
above, was born Dec. 30, 1767. He 
married Milly Judd. sister of Chaun- 
cey Judd. He died Sept. 8, 1846, aged 
79. Rev. Israel Perkins Warren was a 
grandson. 

Perkins, Joel. 

Perkins, John. 

Perkins, Deacon Peter, son of Peter 
Perkins, was often entrusted with 
various ecclesiastical duties. He died 
Nov. 23, 1799, aged 58. Elizabeth, his 



wife, died April 7, 1798, aged 53. 

Perkins, Reuben, lived north of the 
David Perkins place. The collar and 
well are still descernible. No public 
road crosses in '1 at vicinity at pres- 
ent. He married Thankful Smith. He 
died in Hamden about ISCO, aged 64. 
His widow oied in Bethany, Sept. 6, 
1831, aged 85. 

Russell, Widow Anne. The state- 
ment, "Mrs. Anna Russell was the 
first person born in Bethany," 
probably refers to the above. 

Russell, Elmore. 

Russell, Enoch. 

Uussell, John. His wife, Abigail, died 
June 1, 1813, aged 61. 

Uussell, Robert. 

Sackitt, Jonathan. Sarah, wife of 
"John" Sackitt, died Jan. 12, 1794, 
aged 20. 

Sanford, Cyrus. 

.Sanford, David. 

Sanford, Col. Elihu, lived in the 
Ebenezer Dayton house, east side 
of the meeting-house green. "He 
was the father of Elihu and Har- 
vey Sanford, esquires, long known 
as among the most respectable 
citizens of New Haven." He do- 
nated the land for the Congrega- 
tional cemetery. 

Sanford, Jonathan. 

Sanford, Mehitable. 

Sherman, James. 

Sherman, Samuel. 

Smith, Ezekial. 

Smith, Jonathan. 

Smith, Samuel. 

Sperry, Demas, son of Reuben, lived 
on the farm now owned by D. L. 
Johnson. He was the father of Col. 
Alvin Sperry who built the house 
now standing. He died June 27, 
1833, aged 68. His wife. Elizabeth, 
died December, 1849, aged 81. 

Sperry, Elam, was a member of the 
church. 

Sperry, Ezra. Lived in the house which 
stood on the corner diagonally from 
the Wheeler house. He was the 



THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 




THE HOADLEY MILL, TORN DOWN ABOUT I9O4. 



father of Ezra Stiles Sperry. Capt. 
Ezra Sperry died Nov. 10, 1803. 
aged 73. His wife, Ruth, died July 
2. 1815, aged 82. 

Sperry, Elijah, Capt. 

Sperry, Hannah. It was south of her 
house, probably, that the parish line 
extended. 

Sperry, Hezekiah. 

Sperry, Isaac, built the Henry San- 
ford house. Father of Enos Sper- 
ry. He died Feb. 7. 1844. aged 84. 
His wite Mary, died Oct. 28, 1835, 
aged 71. 

Sperry, Medad. 

Sperry, Reuben, father of Demas 
above, anl others probably. He died 
May, 1795, aged 62. His wife, Eu- 
nice, died Dec. 6, 1820, aged 83. 



.Sperry, I'ri. 

Sperry, Zeri. 

Talmadge, John Alsop. 

Terrel, Widow Phebe. Widow of 
Phineas Terrel, son of Samuel, of 
Milford. 

Terrel, Ebenezer. 

Terrel, .John. 

Terrel, Deacon Phineas, son of Phi- 
neas and Phebe Terrel. 

Thomas. Gershom Ensign, (Israel 3, 
Daniel 2, John 1), was born March 
17, 1725, and died before May 7, 
1792. He married April 26, 1749, 
Mabel Dorman, widow of Joel Per- 
kins. She died March 19, 1787, 
aged 66. 

Thomas, David, was baptized May 3, 
1752. Was a leader in the Jones 



156 BETHANY. 

controversy, to whom he was op- 
posed. He was son of Israel 4, 
Israel 2, Daniel 2, John 1. . 

Thomas, E. Downs. 

Thomas, Elizabeth. 

Thomas. Hezekiah, brother of David 
Thomas, was the first town clerk. 
He was proprietor of the Hezekiah 
Thomas hotel, which later became 
the Congregational parsonage. He 
married Chloe Beecher. Their 
daughter, Tabitha, married Isaac 
Jones. 

Thomas, Israel (Israel 3, Daniel 2, 
John 1), born June 5, 1720, died 
1784. He married June 24, 1746, 
Martha, daughter of Ambrose Hine. 

Thomas, Esquire John (John 4, John 
3, John 2, John 1), born April 16, 
17, 5 5. Lived on Lebanon Hill. He 
inherited considerable wealth and 
was probably the richest man in the 
parish. His wife, Lydia, died July 
13, 1815, aged 50. He died April 
21, 1839. 

Thomas, John Jr., lived on Lebanon 
Hill. 

Thomas, 
Mabel 
1781, 
Daniel 
Tolles. 



Noah, son of Gershom and 
Thomas, married Sept. 9, 
Mary Tolles, daughter of 
and Thankful (Smith) 
On Oct. 2 6, 1818, his widow 
Mary and Aner Thomas became ad- 
ministrators of his estate which was 
divided between the widow Mary 
and Aner Thomas, Laura Robinson 
and Leverett, Ransom and Charles 
Thomas. Noah died Sept. 16, 1818, 
aged 62. His wife died Sept. 10, 
1842, aged 87. 
Todd, Charles, son of Jonah Todd. 
Lived in North Bethany. He mar- 
ried Lydia Ives. 
Tolles, Abraham, son of Daniel, mar- 
ried Elizabeth . He died 

May 20, 1793, aged 38. She died 
Feb. 14, 1788, aged 22. 
Tolles, Chauncey, lived in the south- 
ern part of the town, where his son 
Lewis built the house where 



Elizur Doolittle lived. Chauncey 
died April 1, 1824, aged 4C. His 
wife Eunice died Nov. 23, 1865, 
aged 91. i 

Tolles, Daniel, son of Henry and 
Dorothy (Thomas) Tolles, married 
Thankful Smith. He died Jan. 20, 
1782, aged 77. His wife died June 
28. 1769, aged 58. 

Tolles, Daniel, Jr.. married Mary 
Hine. 

Tolles, Jared, was a soldier in the 
Revolution. 

Tolles, Lamberton, married Abigail, 
daughter of Samuel and Ruth 
Briscoe. 

Tolles, Lazarus, married Sibyl Bel- 
lamy. 

Tolles, Lyman. 

Tolles. Nehemiah. 

Tuttle, Amasa, son of Uri and Thank- 
ful (Tuttle). Married Esther 
Tolles. 

Tuttle, Jonathan. 

Tuttle, Nathaniel, brother of Uri 
Tuttle, Sr. He died Feb. 20. 1802, 
aged 59. Elizabeth, his wife, died 
April 4, 1819, aged 72. 

Tuttle, Thankful. Widow of Uri Tut- 
tle, daughter of Jonathan Ives. 

Tuttle, Uri, Jr., son of Uri and 
Thankful. Married Electa Perkins, 
daughter of Edward. 

Tyrrel, Deacon Jesse. 

Warren, Edward. 

Warren, Nathaniel. 

Wheeler, Deacon James, (record else- 
where). 

Wheeler, Joel. 

White, Deacon John, son of Capt. 
John and Susannah (Ailing) White, 
was born May 19, 1722. He mar- 
ried Mary, daughter of Isaac and 
Mary (Atwater) Dickerman, Dec. 
27, 1744. He was appointed a dea- 
con of the Church of Christ in 
Bethany as soon as its organiza- 
tion was effected. He died in New 
Haven, Nov. 24, 1797. 

Wilmot, Valentine, (record given 



THE CONGRECxATIONAL CHURCH. 



157 




RESIDENCE OF MRS. A. H. DOWNS, EAST BETHANY. 



Keeper of the 
previous to Theo- 



elsewhere), 
Wilmot, David. 
Wilmot, Walter. 
Wolcott, Joseph. 
Wooding, David. 
Smith Tavern 
philus Smith. 
Wooding, John. 
Wooding, John Jr. 

Wooding. William, lived near Hoadley's 
Mills, house later owned by the Ros- 
wells. 

It was during the period closely fol- 
lowing 1800 that the greatest religious 
controversy that this town and few 
other towns in Connecticut have ever 
known. It was waged at fearful cost 
to the church. We learn that the con- 



gregation dwindled from one hundred 
and sixty-four families in 1799 to eighty 
in 1811, as shown by seats assigned to 
heads of families in the seating plans, 
still in existence. During this period 
but few new names were added to the 
parishioners but we give them so far 
as the records show: Allen, Richard; 
Beecher, Timothy; Ben worth, Orange; 
Clark, Isaac; Dudley, Caleb; Hotchkiss, 
Harvey; Hotchkiss, Seymour, Hotch- 
kiss, Sheldon; Hotchkiss, Zacchcus, 
Prince, Nathan; Robinson, Blihu; San- 
ford, Tubal; Sperry, Alvan; Sperry, 
Ohilion; Stone, Richard; White, John; 
Wilmot, Amos; Wilmot, John. 

From various sources it is ascer- 
tained that the men mentioneid below 



158 BETHANY. 

were members of the church, previouf: 
to 1814. Joseph Collins, Eden Johnson, 
Jesse Beecher, Phineas Tyrrell (Dea- 
con), Hezekiah Beecher (Deacon), Dan- 
iel Tolles, Moses Clark, Joel Hine, 
Bczaleel Peck and Joel Andrews and 
wife. 

List of church members January 1, 
1814. This is the earliest complete list 
of members extant. 

Andrew, Mary (Tyrrell), wife of Wi^ 
liam Andrew; daughter of Deacon 
Phineas Tyrrt 11. W Uiam A. was born 
1764 and died December 7, 1834. She 
died March 10, 1836, aged 67. 
Driver, Lydia (Hitchcock), wife of 
Samueil Driver, daughter of Timothy 
and Atangaiil Hitchcock. She was sis- 
ter of Elizabeth, wife of Darius 
Driver. Albert Driver was a son ol 
Samuel an'd Lydia Driver. 
Hitchcock, Timothy, son of Ebcnezer 
and Rdbecca (Thomas) HitcTicock, 
was born Nov. 8, 1747-8; died August 
T). 1820. 
Hitchcock, Abigail (Clark) wife of Tim- 
othy H., daughter of Hez. Clark. One 
of her sisters, Elizabeth, was the 
mother of Deacon Clark Hotchkiss, 
another was the wife of Deacon Jas 
Wheeler. Abigail H., was born Janu- 
ary 2, 1755, died September 9, 1854. 
Hitchcock, Sarah (Sperry) wife of 
Amos Hitchcock. She died August 27, 
1842, aged 69. He died May 21, 184y. 
aged 87. Grandparents of Ransom 
Hitchcock, of Bethany Center. 
HitcTicock, Amos, son of Benjamin 
Hotchkiss, was born 1778. He mar- 
ried Lois Todd, sister of Mrs. David 
Perkins. His father, Benjam'in H., 
died March, 1809. 
Hotchkiss, Lois (Todd), wife of last 
In 1828 the church withdrew "watch 
and care" from Amos Hotchkiss and 
wife. 
Hotchkiss, Euniice (Atwater), wife of 
EMas Hotchkiss, daug'hter of 
Jonathan and Sarah (Beach) Atwa- 
ter. She died in New Haven. 
Hotchkiss. Elizabeth (Clark), wife of 



Isaac Hotchkiss, daughter of Heze- 
kiali Clark. She was born May 9, 
1762. Mother of Deacon Clark Hc/tch- 
kiss. 

Hotchkiss, Deacon Jacob, son of Isaac 
Hotchkiss, married Mary Perkins. He 
died June 26, 1825, aged S9. Grand- 
father of Spencer Hotchkiss, who 
lived on the Stre&t Todd farm. 

Hotchkiss, Mary (Perkins), wife of 
Deacon Jacob Hotchkiss. 

Hotchkiss, Susannah (Peck), wife of 
Silas Hotchkiss, mother of Mrs. An- 
drew, grandmother of Mrs. Su.san 
Russell. She died February 20, 1839, 
aged <;?. He died February £1, 1849, 
aged 83. 

Lines, Ruth (Sperry), sister of E. S. 
Spi rry's father. She died March 27, 
1837, aged 77. 

Lounsbury, Hannah (Sperry), widow of 
Stephen Lounsibury, whom she mar- 
ried October 26, 1761. Grandmother of 
Newell Lounsbury and Major Louns- 
bury. 

Nettleton, Comfort (Hine), wife of John 
Nettleton. She died January 31, 1841. 
He outlived her. 

Perkins, Thankful, widow of Deacon 
Peter Perkins. Grandmother of An- 
son Perkins. 

Perkiins, David, son of Reuben and 
Thankful (Smith) Perkins, married, 
1797, Lola Todd. He was a member 
in Mr. Hawley's time. Lived on the 
old road which intersects the turn- 
pike north of the home of Mrs. Jane 
Perkins (his grand-daughter). He 
died November 16, 1865, aged 80. 

Perkins, Lola (Todd), horn 1772, died 
March 13. 1811, aged 38. 

Prince, Lois (Hotchkiss), wife of Na- 
than Prince, died Jan. 9, 1823, aged 
63. Mr. Prince died January 25, 1824, 
aged 74. 

Sackett, Mary (Wheeler), daughter of 
Deacon James Wheeler, wife of John 
Sackett. Her first husband, Briscoe. 

Sanford, Widow Hannah. 

Sanford. Damaris Widow. 

Sanford. Elihu Col.. Married Sarah 



THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 



159 




HOME OF MRS. M. B. MC CLURE. 



Thorp. He died October 9, 1839, aged 
81, and was buried in the Congre- 
gational cemetery, a few months after 
donating 'the land for that purpose. 

Sanford, Sarah (Thorp), wife of Col. 
Elihu Sanford died July 14, 1837, 
aged 75. 

Sparry, Elam, removed to Ohio. 

Sp*»rry, Anna (Smith), wife of Elam 
Sperry, sister of Ol'^'p M. Bishop. In 
1828 the church w . \drew "watch 
and care" from her an6 her husband. 

Sperry, Elizabeth (Perkinfc). wife of 
Demas Sperry, daughter ^i Deacon 
Peter Perkins. She died December 
1, 1849, aged 81. Huj.i...ind d'ed June 
27, 1833, aged 67. 

Tyrrell, Deacon Jesse, died JVIarch 15, 
|1814, aged 70. He married first 

Mabel , who died September 23, 

1786, aged 40. His second wife was 
Thankful Merwin. "As an expres- 
sion of his regard to the prosperity 
of Zion of the Church and Socirty 
of which he Iwas a member, he be- 
queathed the chief of his estate to 



'the support of a Preached Gospel." 

Tombstone inscription. 
Tyrrell, Thankful (Merwin), second 

Wife of Deacon Jesse Tyrrell, buried 

at her request in the new burying 

ground. 
Tyrrell, Mrs. Mary (Curtiss), widow of 

John Tyrrell, who hanged himself. 

Married in Colebrook second husband 

named Oatman. She removed to 

Pennsylvania and died there. 
Thomas, David, brother of Hezeklah 

Thomas. His first wife was the 

mother of Mrs. Zaccheus Hotchkiss. 
j;f.„,.. as, Sarah (Perkins), wife of E. 

Downs Thomas, sister of Mrs. Demas 

Sperry. 
Umbcrfield, Matty (Hotchkiss), wife Jt 

..011.1 I^mberfit^ld, daughter of Cap- 

'tain Joel Hotchkiss. Died in New 

Haven, October, 1856. 
Wilmot, Mrs. Comfort, wife of Amo.-? 
'nt. First husband was Eli 

Nettleton. She died April, 1844. 
.. cr of Isaac Nettleton. 
' Wilmot, wife of Valentine Wilmot. Her 



i6o 



BETHANY. 



maiden name was Fenn. Mother of 
John Wilmot, who married Asenat-h 
■Clark. Their son, Noyes Wilmot, 
lives in Naugatuck. 

Wooding, John, ancestor of all of the 
name in Bethany. 

1814. 

Perkins, Eli, admitted March 6, mar- 
ried Ann Wheeler, daughter of Dea- 
con James Wheeler. In 1828 the 
■church withdrew "watch and care" 
from ihim. 

1815. 

Atwater, Lydia (Shepard), wife of 
David Atwater. Restored August 31. 
iShe died February 10, 1850, aged 88. 
Anan Atwater was one of their sons. 

Bradley, Abiah (Hotchkiss) daughter 
of Joel Hotchkiss. Admitted May 
14. 

Hotchkiss, Mehitabel, sister of the 
last. Admitted Mny 14. 

Tolles, Eunice (BradVey) wife of 
Chauncey Tolles. She was born 
August 6, 1774, admitted May 14, 
died Nov. 23, 1865. Mr. Tolles died 
April 1, 1824 aged 46. 

Wilmot, Valentine (restored May 22.) 

Hotchkiss, Capt. Joel (July 2.) He 
died Feb. 3. 1819, aged 73. His wife 
died Nov. 13, 1831, aged 81. 

Hotchkiss, Martha (Peck) (July 2) 
wife of Capt. Joel Hotchkiss, daugh- 
ter of Deacon Timothy Peck. 

Hitchcock, Jabez Deacon (July 2) a 
grandson of Capt Amos and Dorcas 
(Toot) Hitchcock, died Feb. 19, 1842, 
aged 77. His wife. Experience 
Bishop, (sister of James Bishop), 
was a pious woman though not a 
church member. She died Mar. 30, 
1843, aged 84. 

Sperry, Hannah (July 2) sister of E 
S. Sperry's father, died March 6, 
1843, aged 78. 

Piatt. Sybil wid. (Sept. 3, letter from 
Milford) First husband Nettleton, 
mother of John Nettleton. 
Perkins, Sarah, (Nov. 6 letter from 
Woodbridge) second wife of David 
Perkins. She was the sister of 



Enoch Sperry. Her first husband 
was named Merwin. She died Feb. 
1861 in Woodbridge, aged 85. 

Peck, Sybil (Nettleton) (letter from 
North Milford,) sister of Isaac Net- 
tleton. 

1816. 

Nettleton, Betsy (Nettleton) daughter 
of Eli Nettleton, sister of the last. 
She was admitted by letter from 
North Milford March 3. Married 
Isaac Bradley, and died in Prospect. 

Hotchkiss, Clarissa (Sperry) (July 4) 
wife of Sheldon Hotchkiss and 
daughter of Isaac Sperry. Husband 
was son of Elias Hotchkiss. Died in 
New Haven. 

Hotchkiss, Eunice (Beecher) July 4, 
wife of Seymour Hotchkiss, mother 
of Mrs. Alonzo Sperry, sister of An- 
drew Beecher. He died Oct. 28, 1822, 
aged 41. 

Hotchkiss, Content, July 4, daughter 
of Joel Hotchkiss, unmarried. 

Piatt, Sarah, Aug 29, wife of Eben- 
ezer, sister of Deacon Theophilus 
Smith, died in Orange. 

Hotchkiss Mary (Sperry) Aug. 29, wife 
of Joel Hotchkiss, daughter of Isaac 
Sperry. Moved to Readsville, Penn. 
where they died. 

Hitchcock, Elizabeth, (Oct. 27) sister of 
Timothy Hitchcock, unmarried. 
1817. 

Sanford, Lois (Dickerman) Jan. 5 
wife of Cyrus Sanford. She died 
April 11, 1854, aged 82. He died 
Feb. 28, 1853 aged 84. 

Piatt, Ebenezer, March 23, letter from 
Bethlehem. He died in Orange May 
20, 1864, aged 83. 

Wilmot, Asenath (Clark) July 6, wife 
of John Wilmot, who was a son of 
Valentine Wilmot. Moved to Nau- 
gatuck April 1830. She was the 
daughter of Andrew and Annie 
Clark of Milford. She was born 
April 29, 1789 and died Feb. 1, 1887. 
John W. was born 1779; died 1837. 

Perkins, Ann (Wheeler) May 4, wife 
of Eli Perkins. Letter from Oxford. 
She died deranged. 



THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 



I6l 




THE CAPT. DAYTON PLACE. 
Recently the Home of the Late James Cotter, 



White, Martha (Hotchkiss) Sept. 7 sis- 
ter of Deacon Clarlv Hotchl<;iss, mar- 
ried John White, a grandson of Dea- 
con John White, first deacon of the 
church. 

Peck, Lauren (Oct. 5) letter from 
Amity. He and his wife removed to 
East Bennington, Vermont. In 
March 1839, probably some years af- 
ter their removal there, they asked 
for a letter. 

Peck, Sally E. (Baldwin) wife of Lau- 
ren Peck. 

Hotchkiss, Isaac, (Nov. 2) father of 
Deacon Clark Hotchki-ss, died May 
11, 1828, aged 70. 

White, John, (Nov. 2), son of Lieut. 
John and Anna (Bostwick) White, 
son of Deacon John and Mary (Dick- 
erman) White, married Feb. 9, 1802 



Martha, daughter of Isaac and Eliza- 
beth Hotchkiss. He was a carpen- 
ter and millwright. He was born 
Dec. 29, 1780 and died Nov. 7, 1852. 

Robinson, Elihu, (Nov. 2) died June 
10, 1849, aged 64. 

Baldwin, widow, Sarah, (Nov. 23) 
mother of Mrs. Sally Peck. 

Hitchcock, Lady, (Nov. 23) sister of 
Miles Hitchcock. She married in 
Prospect, I. Smith. 
1818. 

Atwater, David, (March 1) son of Jon- 
athan and Sarah (Beach) Atwater, 
married Lydia Shepard. He was the 
father of Anan Atwater. He died 
June 15, 1829, aged (57. 

Atwater, Jesse, (March 1) brother of 
David Atwater. 

Bradley, Electa, (March 1) wife of Ja- 



1 62 



BETHANY. 



son Bradley, daughter of Lamberton 
Tolles. She died March 20, 1858, aged 
79. 

Thomas, Allen, lived where Abner 
Warner now resides. f\e died April 
11, 1849, aged 49. 

Bradley, Deacon Jesse, (March 1) lived 
just south of the corner south of D. 
L. Johnson's on the opposite side of 
road. He died Oct. 25, 1839, aged 65. 

Hitchcock, Samuel, (March 1.) 

Bradley, Beda, (March 1) daughter of 
Deacon Jesse Bradley, married Jesse 
Lounsbury. 

Hotchkiss, Hiram, (March 1) lived at 
Bethany Center in house now owned 
by Charles Booth. He was a son of 
Silas Hotchkiss. He died Jan. 22, 
1850. 

Atwater, Polly (Brockett) July 5, 
wife of Jesse Atwater, had been of 
Dr. Trumbull's congregation in North 
Haven. Married Mitchell Peck. 

Bradley, Mary, (July 5) wife of Dea- 
con Jesse Bradley, was born Jan 28, 
1779, died about 1865. 

Sanford, Polly (Newton), July 5, wife 
of Tubal Sanford. Tubal Sanford 
was born Oct. 20, 1783, died April 
14, 1874. His second wife Lucinda 
Barns was born Sept. 13, 1806; died 
July 5, 1882. 

Andrew, Job, (July 5) son of William 
and Mary (Tyrrell) Andrew was 
born Aug, 19, 1796, died Aug. 18, 
18G8. He married Lois Prince, bnrn 
Jan. 15, 1797; died May 7, 1874. 

Atwater, Eunice, July 5, daughter of 
David Atwater, married Uri Wood- 
ing. They lived in the valley east 
of home of Jerome A. Downs, Jr. 
She died March 23, 1861. He died 
Feb. 16, 1853, aged 58. 

1820. 
Thomas, Naomi (Hotchkiss) wife of 
John Thoma.s; first husband was 
named Johnson. She brought letter 
from Amity and was dismissed to 
Naugatuck May 25, 1845 where she 
died. 



1822. 
Perkins, Mary, (May 26) wife of Be- 
noni Perkins, daughter of Eli Net- 
tleton. 

1823. 

Nettleton, Oliver, (March) letter from 
Watertown, died at Westville, Jan. 
31, 1864. 

Nettleton, Mrs. Oliver, (March) letter 
from Watertown. 

Thomas, John, (March). 

Sanford, Cyrus, (March) died Feb. 28, 
1853, aged 84. 

1824. 

Hotchkiss, Martha, (May 2) wife of 
Zaccheus Hotchkiss, daughter of 
David Thomas. She died Feb. 18, 
1856, aged 82. He died Nov. 30, 
1855, aged 79. 

Thomas, Mary, (May 2) daughter of 
David Thomas, died unmarried. 
1827. 

Theophllus Smith (Jan 7, letter from 
Milford.) He kept the tavern on 
the Straits Turnpike. It was the 
custom when the pulpit was supplied 
by ministers from New Haven for 
them to come out to his tavern in 
the stage Saturday and return Mon- 
day. He died Nov. 5, 1873. 

Silas Hotchkiss (March 2) son of Jos- 
eph Hotchkiss. He died Feb. 21, 
1849, aged 83. 

May 4, 1828. 

Andrew, Lois, wife of Job Andrew, 
died May 7, 1874. 

Bradley, Miles, son of Deacon Jesse 
Bradley, moved to Westville where 
he was a merchant. 

Bradley, Mary (Morgan) wife of Miles 
Bradley. Her sons were named 
Dwight and Theodore. 

Bradley, Isaac, son of Jason Bradley, 
died Feb. 26, 1830, aged 25. 

Bradley, Jason Willis, son of Jason 
and Electa (Tolles) Bradley, mar- 
ried Oct. 23, 1834 Elizabeth Sperry. 
He was born Jan. 10, 1809; died 
Oct. 12, 1888. 

Bradley, Electa, daughter of Jason, 
married Bavil Smith of Woodbridge. 



THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 



163 




THE ARCHIBALD PERKINS HOUSE, NORTH BETHANY. 



Hine, Lewis, died Aug. 2, lSfi3, aged 
fi2. 

Hine, Martha, wife of Lewis, daughter 
of Silas Hotchkiss. 

Hotchkiss, Philo, son of Isaac Hotch- 
klss. He died Jan. 16, 1837, aged 54 

Hotchkiss, Betsy (Thomas) wife of 
Phiio Hotchkiss, daughter of Elijah 
Thomas, died May 13, 1838, aged 48. 

Hotchkiss, Rebecca, wife of Hiram, 
sister of Deacon Clark Hotchkiss. 
She died Sept. 28, 1849, aged 52. 

Hotchkiss, Clark, son of Isaac Hotch- 
kiss, married Caroline, daughter of 
Chillon Sperry He was deacon of 
the church for over sixty years. He 
died July 1890. 

Kimball, Miranda, married Charles 
Thomas. She died Oct. 14, 18C4, 
aged fil. He died Oct. 27, 1863, aged 
62. 



Sanford, Austir. 

Smith, Bet'^y, second wife of Theo- 
philus Smith, daughter of Lysias 
Beecher. She died March 7, 1830, 
aged 31. 

Sperry, Caroline, daughter of Chilion 
Sperry, married Deacon Clark Hotch- 
kiss. She died Dec 30, 1891. 

Russell, Harriet, sister of Lovisa, wife 
of Jarvis Bronson. She married 
John Bradley. 

Russell, Nancy, sister of the above, 
died unmarried Jan. 16, 1889, aged 
79. 

Thomas, Lewis, lived in the Wheeler 
house Bethany Center. The ministers 
were often entertained at his house. 
He was born 1798 and died 1840. 

Thomas, Louisa, wife of Lewis Tho- 
mas, daughter of Phineas Peck. 
Married second Sheldon Hotchkiss. 



i64 BETHANY. 

She was born 1799; died 1876. 

Thomas, Mary (Gilbert) wife of Allen 
Thomas. Removed 1855. Dismissed 
to church in Galesbury, Ohio, Oct. 
12, 1862. 

Thomas, Harriet Emily, daughter of 
John Thomas, married Dr. P. Spen- 
cer. He lived on Lebanon Hill. 
Their house burned and he and two 
young sons perished in the flames. 
She was dismissed soon after the 
tragic event to Naugatuck, May 25, 
1845. 

Tolles, Lewis, son of Chauncey, mar- 
ried Eliza Sanford. He died 1880, 
aged 75 years. 

Tolles, Eliza, wife of Lewis Tolles, 
daughter of Tubal Sanford. 

Tolles, Elizabeth, married William 
Peck of Woodbridge. 
(July 6.) 

Lounsbury. Abram, son of Eri and 
Sarah (Carrington) Lounsbury, mar- 
ried Emily, daughter of David and 
Lola (Todd) Perkins. He died April 
27, 1860. aged 61. 

Lounsbury, Emily, (Perkins) wife of 
Abram Lounsbury, died June 20, 
1881, aged 78. 

Perkins, Alvln, son of David and Lola 
(Todd) Perkins, married Lucretia, 
daughter of Henry Sanford. Moved 
to Westville. 

Hotchkiss, Rhoda, wife of Spencer 
Hotchkiss, daughter of Zedekiah 
Hotchkiss. Restored to membership 
Feb. 28, 1844; died March 5, 1856. 

Thomas, Mary Ann, daughter of Allen 
Thomas, married John Bassett and 
removed to Illinois. 

(Sept. 7.) 

Lounsbury, Jesse. 

1833. 

Hitchcock, Abby L. (JudFon) wife of 
Amos Hitchcock, received by letter 
from Humphreyvillo March 3. She 
died Aug. 22. 1862. 

Lounsbury, Isaac, (March ."?) son of Eri 

Lounsbury, married Lodema . 

Located in Meriden, Conn. 



Hotchkiss, Pennina, (March 3) daugh- 
ter of Elias Hotchkiss. Died about 
1863. 

Piatt, Susan Ann, (March 3) married 
Bushnell and lived in New Haven. 

Piatt, Sarah L., (March 3) married a 
Clark of West Haven. 

Piatt, Harriet, (March 3) married 
Boardman, Orange, died 1878. 

Hotchkiss, Jane, (March 3) married 
Thomas Sanford of Woodbridge. 

Hitchcock, Sarah (May 5) daughter of 
Amos and Sarah (Sperry) Hitch- 
cock, died unmarried Oct. 1883 in 
Watertown. 

Bishop, Olive M. (Smith) (May 5) 
wife of Joseph Bishop. She died 
Nov. 20, 1842, aged 79. 

Hotchkiss, Harriet, (May 5) daughter 
of Silliman Hotchkiss, married a 
Wooding of Prospect. 

Hitchcock, Grant, (May 5) son of Eli 
Hitchcock, lived at the old Hitch- 
cock homestead, now occupied liy a 
granddaughter, Mrs. Florence Beech- 
er. He died March 23, 1861, aged 61. 

Hitchcock, Anna (Doolittle) (May 5) 
wife of Grant Hitchcock. She died 
July 10, 1877, aged 72. 

Bradley, Jesse Geo., (May 5) son of 
Deacon Jesse Bradley, became well- 
known as a maker of whip-lashes. 

Hotchkiss, Eliza Ann, (May 5) was 
daughter of Hiram Hotchkiss. She 
was dismissed to Monroe and mar- 
ried there, later returned and mar- 
ried, second, Henry Sanford. 

1833. 

Piatt, Jonah. (Nov. 3) dismissed to 
Milford, Nov. 17, 1834. 

Wilcox. Marietta, wife of Rev. J. Wil- 
cox, by letter from Stockbridge, 
Mass. 

1834. 

Perkins, Lucretia (Sanford) (May 4) 
wife of Alvin Perkins. Received by 
letter. 

Porter, Sally, widow, (May 4 by let- 
ter.) Removed to Naugatuck and 
died there. 



THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 



165 




RESIDENCE OF SAMUEL B. DOWNS. 



Warren, Israel Perkins, (May 4 by let- 
ter) became a Congregational min- 
ister. He was born in Bethany 
April 8, 1814; and died in Portland, 
Maine, Oct. 9, 1892. 
1837. 

Hitchcock, Amos, Jr., (July 16) son of 
Amos and Sarah (Sperry) Hitch- 
cock married Abby L. Judson. He 
died April 27, 1888. 

Nettleton, Orril, (July 16) daughter of 
Oliver Nettleton, married Farnum of 
Westville. 

Purdy, Elunice (Newton) (July 16) 
wife of William Purdy, lived a half- 
mile east of the old red school house 
In the Gate District. Removed to 
Plymouth and died there. 

Thomas. Frances, (July 16) daughter 
of Allen Thomas, Married Day and 
removed to Illinois. Dismissed May 4, 
1845. 

Thomas, Harriet L., (July 16) daugh- 
ter of Lewis, married Bachelor in 
New Haven. 

Thomas. Nancy, (July 16) daughter 
of Allen Thomas, married Adams 
and removed to Illinois. 



Warren, Leonora, (July 16) wife of 
Isaac Warren, daughter of Israel 
Perkins. Mother of Rev. I. P. War- 
ren. Removed to Goshen, Ct. 

Warren, Susan Harriet, (July 16) 
daughter of the last. 

Thomas, Caroline, (April 5) daughter 
of Allen, married in Oxford Fanning. 
Dismissed to Patchogue, L. I., March 
3, 1844. 

Bishop, Maria, (July 13) was cut off. 
(Joined Mormons.) 

1840. 

Clark, Amy. (June) wife of Rev. Saul 
Clark, by letter from S. Egremont, 
Mass. 

Clark, Marietta Smith, (June) daugh- 
ter of the Rev. Saul Clark. 
1843. 

Butts, Julia, (July 2) wife of Rev. D. 
B. Butts, by letter from Stanwich, 
Conn. 

Clark, Esther (Treat), Septemtier 3, 
wife of Isaac Clark. She died March 
21, 1862. 

Hotchkiss, Andrew P., September 3, 
son of Hiram Hotchkiss, rem'oved to 
New Haven. 



i66 



BETHANY. 



Hdtchkiss, Wales, September 3, son of 
Hiram Hotohkiss, was a portrait 
painter in New Haven, many years. 

Kingsley, Eunice, September 3, unmar- 
ried; died December 14, 186'3, ag-ed 84. 

Thomas, Eliza E., September 3, daug-h- 
ter ot Charles Thomas, married Wil- 
liam Conolly, an Irishman. She died 
a Catholic, Odtober 4, 1857. 

Warner, Martha, September 3, wife of 
Miles Warner. 

Peck, Justus, Nov. 5, letter from 
Cheshire. Married Jane French .Ht 
died February 3, 1885, aged 75. His 
first wife, Marietta Moss, died Aug- 
ust 23, 1835, aged 33. 
1844. 

Sharp, Eliza A., March 3, daughter of 
Hiram Hotchkiss. Married second 
Henry Sanford. She died aibout 1865 
1845. 

Beard, Allen C, May 4, iby latter from 
Milford. His daug-hter, Mrs. Kate 
Lacey, lived at the old homestead. 

Beard, Abigail, May 4, wife of Allen 
Beard. She died January 20, 1870. 
1850. 

French, Truman, January 6, Dismissed 
December, 1851. Removed to New 
Haven. 

French, Susan Lee, January 6, widow 
of Truman: daughter of Rev. C. G. 
Lee. Dismissed December, 1851. 

Francis, Mrs. Charlotte W., January 6 
Died in Welton. 

Harrison, Caroline F., July 5, letter 
from Bethlehem, daughter of Rev. F. 
Harrison. Married Samuel Bird, of 
Bethlehem. 

Harrison, Fanny, July 5, letter from 
Bethlehem, daughter of Rev. F. H 
Died at Bridgewater. 

Peck, Mrs. Jane French, January 6, 
wife of Justus Peck, daughter of 
Harry French. She died November 
16, 1894, aged 81. 

Smith, Elizabeth B., January 6, daugh- 
ter of Theophilus Smith. She mar- 
ried Rev. Edmund Peck, a Methodise 
minister, was dismissed to M. E. 
church in West Haven, and later re- 



stored to memlbership in this church. 
Lives in Waterbury. 
1851. 

Sperry, Lucina S., 'September, letter 
from Plymouth Hollow, Ct., wife of 
Marcus Sperry. 

1855. 

Robinson, Rev. E. W., July 3, letter 
from Hanover, Ot., died in Washing- 
ton, D. C. 

Robinson, Sarah B. (Adams), July 3, 
wife of last. 

Roibinson, N. Emmons, July 3, son of 
Rev. E. W. R. 

1857. 

Ward, Willis Edwin, a colored man, 
was baptized and admitted to the 
church on his sick bed in the pres- 
ence of several members of tha 
church, November 27. On the 29th the 
church formally ratified the admis- 
sion. On the 2d of Decemiber the 
Lord's Supper was administered to 
him, a number of the members of 
Ithe church being present. He died 
December 14, aged 35. 
1858. 

Sarah L. Clark, Decemiber 6, wife of 
Nathan Clark, daughter of Abram 
Lounsbury. She died Dec. 31, 1893, 
aged 67. Her husband, Nathan Clark, 
son of Isaac, died Septemtoer 21, 1893, 
aged 69. 

Russell, Mary E., December 6, daugh- 
ter of Stiles and Susan (Andrew) 
Russell. She married Ransom Hitch- 
cock and was for many years the 
postmistress of Bethany. She was 
born April 6, 1839, died August 22, 
1904. 

Robinson, James A., Decemiber 6, son 
of Rev. E. W. Robinson. He died 
August 21, 1863, in Ohio. He was in 
the army, U. S. volunteers. 
1861. 

French, John C, July 14, lived on the 
road to Beacon Falls, in a locality 
which later became a part of that 
town. 

French, Marietta (Hotchkiss), July 14, 
wife of John French. 



THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 



167 




A BETHANY CHARCOAL PIT. 



1863. 
Driver, Mrs. Eliza, May 3, letter from 
M. E. church in New Haven, wife of 
George Driver. Relation removed to 
M. E. church, New Haven, in 1874. 

1864. 

Scranton, George B., March 6, letter 
from Whitneyville. Lived on Chat- 
field Hill, in house which was burn- 
ed in 1912. He died January 20. 1872 

Scranton, Hannah, March 6, letter; wife 
of George Scranton. Hanged her- 
self May 14, 1875. 

1865 

Peck, Marietta, dismissed Sept. 2, 
1877, to Congregational church in 
Wallingford. 

Russell, Ellen, daughter of Stiles Rus- 
sell, a wheelwright. She married 
Nathanial Newell, and was dismissed 



to the First Conigregational church of 
Branford. 

Russell, Annie E., daughter of Stilea 
and Susan (Andrew) Russell, mar- 
ried H. D. Seldon, was dismissed 
April, 1886, to church in Chester. 

McClure, Hannah, daughter of William 
McClure. She has been a member of 
the church for the longest continuous 
period of any one now living. 

Beard, Susan, daughter of Allen and 
Abigail Beard, married first Wil'liam 
H. Lounsbury, September 8, 1873; 
second, Mr. Noible She was dismissed 
September 2, 1877 to 'the M. E. 
church, Bethany. 

Beard, Andrew, son of Allen and Abi- 
gail Beard, was a school teacher in 
Bethany. He was dismissed in 1883 
to the Congregational church, Aspen, 
Colo. Died recently 



l68 BETHANY. 

Beard, Ceceilia, dauig-hter of Allen 
Beard, married Dennis Smith. Dis- 
missed to First Church, of Milford. 

Munson, Mrs Betsey A. (Hitchcock), 
wife of Alva Keep Munson, daug-hter 
of Grant and Anna (Doolittle) Hitch- 
cock. She died November 14, 1901, aged 
72. A. K. Munson, born March 27, 
1827; died May 1, 1908. 

Robirison, iSarah M., April 9, daug'hter 
of Rev. E. W. Robinson. Dismissed 
October, 1865, to First Comgreg-a- 
tional church, Washing-ton, D. C 

Robinson, Mary L., April 9, same rec- 
ord as above. 

Robinson, Bmily E., as a;bove. 

Driver, Laura E., dismissed to St. 
Johns church. New Haven, Oct. 17, 
1869. She was a S'ister of George 
Driver. 

Scranton, Eliza, daughter of George 
and Hannah Scranton, died May 22, 
1876. 

Scranton, Elizaibeith, sister of the last. 
1866. 

White, May, daughter of William 
White, and a descendant of Deacon 
John White. 

Hotchkiss, Fanny E., ^Jaughter of 
Deacon Clark and Caroline (Sperry) 
Hotchkiss, married Adrian Rosha. 
Dismissed to church in Wcstviille, but 
later in 1894 returned to Bethany and 
is an adtive member. 

Sperry, Ann, wife of John Sperry. Let- 
ter from Seymour. She died April 
1883. 

Andrew, Sarah (Pardee), wife of 
Azariah, son of Jdl) and Lois (Prince) 
Andrew. She died January 10, 1901, 
aged 77. Azariah Andrew was born 
June 29, 1821, died February 23, 1898. 
Their son Noyes, lives at the old 
homestead. 

Olark, Emma, daughter of Nathan 
Clark, married Pearl Sperry. 

Sanford, Mary, daughter of Henry San- 
ford, died July 27, 1892. 

Sperry, Mary, wife of Sidney Sperry. 
1869. 

Smith, Eliza (Sperry), July 11, wife of 



Theophilus iSmith. She died Septem- 
ber 27, 1884. 

1870. 

Lounsbury, David A., March 6, son of 
Abram and Eimily (Perkins) Louns- 
bury, was iborn March 11, 1831, and 
was the first child baptized in the 
present church edifice. He lives in 
Bridgeport. 

Scranton, Andrew, March 6, son of 
George Scranton, died 1902. 

Lounsbury, Nancy A. (Hopkins), July 3, 
second wife oif David A. Lounsbury. 
iShe died February 24,_ 1877, aged 49. 
1874. 

Lounsbury, Julia Ann (Ladue), Novem- 
'ber 1, first wife of William H., son 
Crownage Lounsbury. Letter from 
Presbyterian church. New York. She 
died December 29, 1892. 

Sperry, Eugene S., November 1, son of 
Sidney Sperry. He lives in Florida. 
1876. 

Woodruff, William Louis, March 19, 
cut off by vote of church, November 
1877. 

Woodruff, Julia B., March 19. wife of 
the Rev. William L. Woodruff. Be- 
came an Episcopalian, 1877. 

Osgood, Lucy M., (March 19) Letter 
from Plainsvillo Congr. church. Dis- 
missed by letter. 

Forbes, Katie M., (March 19) Letter 
from Plainsville Cong, church. Mar- 
ried Chester A. Bailey. Dismissed by 
letter. 

1878. 

Beard, Grace, daughter of Allen Beard, 
(Jan. 20) Dismissed to Pres. church, 
Aspen, Colo. 

Clark. Edwin, (Sept. 8) son of Nathan 
and Sarah (Lounsbury) Clark, was 
organist of the church for many 
years. He moved to Seymour in 1913. 

Clark, Hannah (Basham), (Sept. 8) 
wife of Edwin N. Clark. 

Lounsbury, Ives D., (Sept. 8) son of 
David and Nancy (Hopkins) Louns- 
bury. Lives in Woodbridge. 

Burnet, Frank, (Sept. 8) Dismissed to 
church in West Haven, April, 1879. 



THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 



169 




THE GATE SCHOOL. 



Robbins, Lucretia S., (Sept. 8) Lives in 

Hamden. 
Davis, Martha A., (Sept. 8.) Dismissed 

to Park street church, Bridgeport, 

Nov. 4. 1883. 
Lounsbury, Margaret (Billerwell), (Sept. 

8) third wife of David A. Lounsbury. 

Lives in Bridgeport. 
Cutler, Francis B., (Sept. 8.) Letter from 

M. E. church, Bethany. Dismissed to 

M. E. church, Orangeville, Ohio, Feb. 

1879. 
Philips, Mrs. Emily J., (Aug.) yetter 

from Cheshire Cong, church. 
1881. 
Hitchcock, Ransom, (Jan. 2) son of 

Amos and Abby Louise (Judson) 

Hitchcock. He married Mary Russell. 

He was born Jan. 6. 1835; died March 

5, 1905. 
Lacey, Arthur J., (Jan. 2) married Kate 

S. Beard, daughter of Allen Beard. 
Johnson, Harriet A. (Wellman), (March 

6) wife of Dwight L. Johnson. 



Peck, Lydia Ann, (March 6) wife of 
Harry F. Peck. 

Wellman, Urania B., (May) Letter 
from 2nd Cong, church, of Watertown. 
She died Feb. 10, 1887. 

Barnard, Andrew J., (July 17) Letter 
from 2nd Cong, church, of Water- 
town. 

1883. 

Peck, Harry F., (March 4) son of Jus- 
tus and Jane (French) Peck. 

Megin, James Lee, (April 1) son of 
Hugh and Mfirietta (Dorman) Megin. 
Was soldier in the Civil war. 

Megin, Orrie Jane (Hotchkiss), (April 1) 
wife of James L. Megin. 

Megin, Lucia Charlotte, (Apr. 1) daugh- 
ter of James and Orrie Jane (Hotch- 
kiss) Megin. She mariied William 
Haskell and lives in Chicopee, Mass. 

Horsfall, Thomas, (April 1.) Letter 
from 3rd Cong, church of New Ha- 
ven. He has been a deacon of the 
church since April 1, 1883. 



I70 



BETHANY. 



Horsfall, Elvira Virginia, (April 1) wife 
of Deacon Thomas Horsfall, daughter 
of Stiles and Susan (Andrew) Rus- 
sell. She died Aug. 24, 1891. 

McClure, Minnie Rebecca, (May 6) mar- 
ried Theodore Downs, son of Elbert 
and Catharine (Bailey) Downs. 
1886. 

Hitchcock, Mary Alice, (March 21) 
daughter of Ransom and Mary (Rus- 
sell) Hitchcock. She married M. 
Goldsmith. Resides in Portland, Ore- 
gon. 

Hitchcock, Carolyn Louise, (March 21) 
daughter of Ransom and Mary (Rus- 
sell) Hitchcock. Married John E. Hin- 
man. 

Sperry, Isabel Emily, (March 21) daugh- 
ter of Pearl and Emma (Clark) 
Sperry. 

Sperry, Isadora Sarah, (March 21) 
daughter of Pearl and Emma (Clark) 
Sperry. Removed to Ansonia, Conn. 

Peck, Mary Elizabeth, (March 21) 
daughter of Rev. Edmund and Eliza- 
beth (Smith) Peck. She lost her life 
in the fire that destroyed their home, 
Jan. 4, 1902, aged 38. The Rev. Ed- 
mund perished also, aged 84. 

Munson, Florence Betsy, (March 21) 
daughter of Alva Keep and Betsy 
(Hitchcoclc) Munson. Married Elson 
E. Beecher. 

Rosha, Clifton DeWitt, (March 21) son 
of Adrian and Fanny (Hotchkiss) 
Rosha. He has been a deacon of the 
church since Aug., 1895. 

Peck, Henry Bigelow, (March 21) son 
of Harry and Lydia Peck. He died 
March 12, 1898. 

1894. 

Wellman, Burton M., (May 13) lives on 
the Darius Driver farm, Bethany. 

Wellman, Lucy, (May 13) wife of Bur- 
ton M. Wellman. 

Johnson, Walter B., (May 13) son of 
Dwight and Harriet Johnson. Mar- 
ried and lives in Seymour. 

Hitchcock, Annie S., (May 13) daughter 
of Ransom and Mary (Russell) 
Hitchcock. 



Moddell, Frederick W., (May 13) dis- 
missed to Cong, church, Bridgeport. 

Moddell, Mary J., (May 13) dismissed to 
Cong, church, Bridgeport. 

Lacey, Mabel, (July 15) daughter of 
Arthur and Kate (Beard) Lacey. Mar- 
ried April 9, 1901 to Fred Lucius An- 
drew of Beacon Falls. 

Lacey, Ethel, (July 15) daughter of Ar- 
thur and Kate (Beard) Lacey. Was 
graduated from Northfield Seminary, 
and intended to becoiue a missionary. 
She married — . Died in Syracuse, N. 
Y., Nov., 1907. 

Stahnke, Emma, (July 15) daughter of 
Frank and Emma (Engle) Stahnke, 
who were born in Germany. She mar- 
ried Francis Ferdinandus and lives 
in New Haven. Dismissed to the 
Dwight Place church. New Haven, 
April 19, 1896. 

1897. 

Sperry, Harold C, (June 27) son of 
Pearl P. Sperry. 

1899. 

Clark, Lena B., (Oct. 22) daughter of 
Edwin and Hannah (Basham) Clark. 
Married. 

Lounsbury, Bertha E., (Oct. 22) daugh- 
ter of David and Margaret (Biller- 
well) Lounsbury. Married July 1, 
1908, Alton Parker Christain. Lives 
in Bridgeport, Conn. 

Lepper, Hanry, (Oct. 22) lives in Nau- 
gatuck. Conn. Was blinded in an ac- 
cident a few years ago. 

Lepper, Mrs. Henry, (Oct. 22). 
1902. 

Peck, Nelson Justus, (June) son of 
Harry and Lydia Peck. 

Peck, May, (June) wife of Nelson Peck. 

Wellman, Harriet, (May 10) daughter of 
Burton and Lucy Wellman. She 
married Carl, son of Frank and 
Emma (Engle) Stahnke. 

Johnson, Carrie, wife of Frank John- 
son. 

1906. 

Burtner, Rev. Otto W., (June) dismissed 
to First Cong, church, Ansonia, Dec. 
2, 1906. 



THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 



171 




Photo by F. H. Simonds. New Haven. 

perry's hall, 

As Prepared for the Dinner at the Time of the 150th Anniversary. 



Burtner, Mrs. O. W., (June) dismissed. 
1908. 

Carrington, Ralph W., (May 3) son of 
Abram and Mary Carrington. 

Carrington, Auth E., (May 31) daughter 
of Abram and Mary Carrington. 

Clarlt, Walter E., (May 3) son of Edwin 
and Hannah (Clark). Married Bessie 
Botsford. Lives in Seymour. Dis- 
missed to Cong, church. 

Lacey, Abigail, (May 3) daughter of 



Arthur and Kate (Beard) Lacey. 

Humiston, Wallace D., (May 24) son of 
Dwight and Katie (Downs) Humis- 
ton. 

1909. 

Booth, Mary Stillson, (Sept. 5) wife of 
Charles Booth. 

Booth, Frances, (Sept. 5) daughter of 
Charles and Mary Booth. 

Lindcmann, Rev. Herman H., (Sept. 5) 
dismissed. 



172 



BETHANY. 



BAPTISMS IN THE CHURCH. 



May 4, 1828. 
Lewis Thomas (adult). 
Betsey Hotchkiss (adult). 
Mary Bradley (adult). 
Caroline Sperry (adult). 
Harriet Emily Thomas (adult). 
Miranda Kimball (adult). 
Harriet Russell (adult). 
Nancy Russell (adult). 

May 25, 1828. 
Phineas Peck Thomas (son of Lewis) 
Harriet Lydia Thomas (daughter ol 
Lewis). 

Aug. 10, 1828. 
Sarah Lola Lounsbury (daughter of 
Abraham). 

July 26, 1828. 
Abraham Lounsbury. 
Rhoda Hotchkiss. 

Oct. 31, 1829. 
Elizabeth Hotchkiss (daughter of 
Philo). 
Jarus Buret Hotchkiss (son of Philo). 
Aaron Thomas Hotchkiss (son of 
Philo). 

Rebecca Hotchkiss (daughter of 
Philo). 
David Lounsbury. 

Nov. 1832. 
Hart Hotchkiss (son of Hiram). 
Sarah Hotchkiss (daughter of Clark). 

March 3, 1833. 
Isaac Lounsbury (adult). 
Penina Hotchkiss (adult). 
Susan Ann Piatt (adult). 
iSarah L. Piatt (adult). 

May 5, 1833. 
Jane Hotchkiss (adult). 
July 23. 1833. 
John Thomas (son of Allen). 

Sept. 15, 1833. 
Mary Hale Tolles (daughter of 

Lewis). 

Feb. 16, 1834. 

Noyes Sylader Wilmot. 
June 1, 1834. 
Watson Henry Wilcox (son of Rev. 
Jairus). 



July 16, 1837. 
Susan Harriet Warren. 

June 30, 1843. 
Eugene Daniel Butts (son of Rev. 
Daniel). 

Sept. 5, 1845. 
Edwin White Butts (son of Rev. 
Daniel). 
Edgar Giles Smith (infant). 
Marion Cecelia Beard (infant). 

Nov. 1, 1845. 
Lucien Hitchcock (infant). 
Ellen Hannah Hitchcock (infant). 

Jan. 6, 1850. 
Jane French (wife of Justus). 

July 20, 1850. 
Kate Smith Beard (daughter of Al- 
len). 

Irene Julia Hitchcock (daughter of 
Amos). 

Emily Prince Hitchcock (daughter of 
Amos). 

El.en Jane Hitchcock (daughter of 
Amos). 

Emogene Hitchcock (daughter of 
Amos). 
Lucina Sperry. 

July 3, 1855. 
Sarah M. Beard (daughter of Allen). 
Grace Beard (daughter of Allen). 

Nov. 29, 1857. 
Willis Edwin Ward (adult). 

Dec. 6, 1858. 
Mary E. Russell. 

July 14. 1861. 
John C. French (adult). 
Marietta French (adult). 
Josephine French (daughter of John). 
Gertrude French (daughter of John.) 

Sept. 8, 1878. 
Edwin Nathan Clark. 
Ives David Lounsbury. 
Frank Burnet. 
Lucretia Irene Robbins. 
Martha Ann Davis. 
Hannah Clark. .. 



THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 



173 



Harriet Adeline Johnson. 

Lydia Ann Peck. 

Sept. 5, 1880. 

Isadora Sarah Sperry (child of 
Pearl). 

Isabel Emily Sperry (child of Pearl) 

Pearl Prince Sperry (child of Pearl) 

Eugene Foster Clark (son of Edwin) 

Walter Edw.n Clark (son of Edwin) 

Mary Alice Hitchcock (daughter ol 
Ransom). 

Carrie Louise Hitchcock (daughter 
of Ransom). 

Annie Stella Hitchcock (daughter of 
Ransom). 

March 6, 188L 

Henry Bigelow Peck. 

Nelson Justus Peck. 

Edwin Harry Peck. 

Burton Mitchell Wellman. 

Treat Baldwin Johnson. 

Wilfred James Megin. 

Martha Elizabeth WeLman. 

Frederick Amos Wellman. 

Susan Urania Wellman. 

Harry French Peck. 

March 4, 1883. 

Minnie Rebecca McClure. 



March 21, 1886. 
Florence Betsey Munson. 
Clifton DeWitt Rosha. 
July 5, 1894. 
Lena Belle Clark. 
Ruby Basham Clark. 
Frank Joseph Clark. 
Haroid Clark Sperry. 

Oct. 22, 1899. 
Bertha Emily Lounsbury. 
Dorothy M. Lounsbury. 

April. 1900. 
Dorothy May Lepper. 
Jennie Ellen Lepper. 
Margaret Josephine Lepper. 
Clarke Beecher Johnson. 
Frank Irving Johnson. 
Raymond Nelson Peck. 
Norman Harry Peck. 

Nov. 25, 1906. 
Edwin August Clark. 

Sept. 5, 1909. 
Warren Dwight Johnson. 

June 23, 1912. 
Lawrence Edwin Peck. 
Feb. 9, 1913. 
Edward Anderson. 
Harold Anderson. 



174 



BETHANY. 



THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION, 



The celebration of the one hundred 
and fiftieth anniversary of the Bethany 
Congregational church was observed 
on Saturday a.nd Sunday, Oct. 11 and 
12, 1913. A large part of the people of 
the town without respect to creed or 
church affiliation, were present, as well 
as an equally large number who ar- 
rived in automobiles and teams from 
adjoining towns. Many present from 
out of town had hereditary or ?,ncestral 
connection with Bethany and so 
showed their loyalty to the old town, 
as well as to the church which has 
been so large a factor in the best in- 
terests of the community. On Satur- 
day at 10:30 a. m., Rev. Sherrod Soule, 
of Hartford, gave a very interesting 
address on "The Debt We Owe to the 
Country Church." Dinner in Perry's 
hall followed, and it was served to 
about two hundred and fifty people. 

The afternoon was devoted to after- 
dinner speaking. Hon. William H. 
Williams acted as toastmaster. The 
speakers were Rev. Charles B. Tole- 
man, of Woodbridge, Rev. C. F. Luther 
of Westville, Rev. George F. Abel, of 
Seymour, Rev. Leonard E. Todd, of 
Oakville, Rev. C. B. Strong, of Pros- 
pect, Rev. J. W. Newton, of Madison, 



Mr. S. G. Davidson, and Rev. John W. 
Wright. 

Charles Hoadley, of Naugatuck, pre- 
sented the church with an old hatchet 
which was found 'n the steeple during 
the recent repairs, and which shows by 
its shape and its evident antiquity 
that it was left there when the church 
was built. It is mounted in a plush- 
lined case and a plate bears the name 
o^ the donor and the dates 1832-1913. 

On Sunday, the exact date of the an- 
niversary, services were held in the 
church, with a sermon by Rev. H. B. 
Beach, followed by communion ser- 
vice and the four children of Mr. and 
Mrs. Frank Read were baptized. 

At the afternoon service a historical 
sketch of the church was read by Wal- 
lace Humiston; and Rev. Joel Stone 
Ives, of Hartford, whose mother was 
born in Bethany, gave an address. 

There was a large attendance, the 
other town churches being closed, and 
the people united in the service. The 
pastor of the Methodist church took 
part in the morning service. Much of 
the success of the occasion was due to 
the fact that everyone in town, with- 
out regard for denominational differ- 
ences, gave their hearty support, mak- 
ing it an "Old Home Day" as well as 
an anniversary celebration. 



HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE CHURCH. 

BY WALLACE D. HUMISTON. 



Nearly three hundred years ago a 
number of the wealthy residents of 
London conceived the plan of a set- 
tlement that should be governed with 
the Bible for Its law. They came to 
New England and in 1638 laid the 
foundations of New Haven. For a 
long time it was deemed Imprudent to 
settle far from the cluster of dwell- 



ings erected there, but as the years 
passed the danger from hostile In- 
dians decreased and we find our hardy 
forefathers pushing out into the for- 
ests which surrounded New Haven In 
search of land fit for farming. 

Just about a hundred years after 
the founding of New Haven, a suffi- 
cient number of families had settled 



THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 



175 



'^^^ 










Photo by F. H. Slmonds. New Haven. 



BETHANY CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, 
OCTOBER II, I913. 



176 BETHANY. 

in the region which is now Included in 
Woodbridge and Bethany to warrant 
the organization of a church. Accord- 
ingly the region was formed Into the 
parish of Amity. On the Lord's Day 
and other occasions our fathers, the 
hardy pioneers of this forest town, as- 
sembled at the Amity meeting-house 
For seven or eight miles in all direc- 
tions these men of God descended 
from the breezy, life-giving hills, to 
the temple down in the vajlley, to pay 
this debt to the Supreme Ruler of the 
universe. 

But the population of the northern 
half of Amity Parish was steadily in- 
creasing. By 1750 a school house was 
needed, the first in this town. It not 
only served as a school house but 
later, we learn, served as the house 
of worship for this community. The 
first step toward separation from 
Amity Parish occurred in 1755. The 
General Assembly granted "winter 
parish privileges to the inhabitants of 
the northern parts of Amity." This 
means that during the cold months of 
the year the people were free to en- 
gage a minister. During the summer 
they worshipped as of old at the 
meeting house in Amity. 

It was in 1762 that complete separa- 
tion from Amity was effected and the 
name "Bethany" first appeared upon 
the map of Connecticut. A charter 
was granted by the General Assembly, 
which made Bethany a distinct eccle- 
siastical society, with all the privi- 
leges and powers belonging to such 
parishes. 

The first meeting of this society was 
held Nov. 13, 1762. A few months 
later the society applied "unto the 
Reverend Association for their advice" 
concerning a candidate to preach in 
said society in order for settlement. 
The association held its meeting In 
Waterbury May 31, and the minute 
on this subject as recorded by Rev. 
Warham Williams, contains these 
words, "We, having maturely consid- 



ered the matter, unanimously ad\ise 
said society to Mr. Stephen Hawley as 
a suitable person, highly approving of 
him for that purpose." Eventually 
Mr. Hawley was invited to become 
pastor. His reply to the call has been 
preserved and may be seen in the ves- 
tibule. 

.At the society meeting in September 
it was voted that the ordination take 
place on the second Wednesday in 
October and that on the first Wednes- 
day a fast preparatory to the ordina- 
tion should be observed. At the same 
meeting it was voted that a commit- 
tee apply unto the Rev. Moderator of 
the Consociation of New Haven coun- 
ty in order to settle the church of 
Christ in Bethany, according unto the 
established ecclesiastical constitution 
of this colony, and to transact all the 
affairs of the society that are neces- 
sary in carrying on said ordination. 

The tradition is that the ordination 
services were performed in the open 
air, in a field where now stands the 
house of Mr Collins. Oct 12, 1763. The 
sermon was delivered by that emi- 
nent divine, Dr. Joseph Bellamy, of 
Bethlehem. Mr. Hawley was a na- 
tive of New Milford and was gradu- 
ated at Yale College in 1759, in the 
same class with Dr. Trumbull, of 
North Haven. 

Three years after the settlement of 
Mr. Hawley it was considered neces- 
sary to build a larger meeting house 
to accommodate the increasing con- 
gregation, and application was made 
to the county court for a committee 
to look over the situ.ition and choose 
a site. Much difficulty was experi- 
enced in choosing a suitable location, 
and three successive committees were 
elected before a location could be 
agreed upon, and even thru a third of 
the members were di.=satisfied. The 
•site was located on the north side of 
the road leading over the hill from 
the "shunpike," so called, near the 
residence of the late James Cotter. 



THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 



177 




Photo by F. H. Simonds. New Haves. 
INTERIOR OF THE CHURCH, 

As Decorated for the 150th Anniversary Celebration. 



The meadow opposite his house was 
the meeting house green, the church 
being on the western side. On the 
north was the mansion of Dr Hezekiah 
Hooker, and on the south and east 
sides, respectively, the residences of 
Rev. Stephen Hawley and Capt. Eb- 
enezer Dayton, of Revolutionary fame. 
It was planned to build the meeting 
house of material furnished by the in- 
habitants. In December, 1767, it was 
\X)ted that "we will provide the boards, 
clapboards, shingles, nails and glass, 
necessary for building the meeting- 
house the year ensuing." A tax was 
laid and it was decided that one half 
might be paid in "flax seed or some 
other species that will answer in New 



York." The building was to be forty 
feet in width by flfty-five feet long. 
It was ordered "that those that score 
timber for the meeting house shall have 
two shillings sixpence per day; and 
those that hew shall have three shill- 
ings sixpence per day." Deacon John 
White and Deacon Hotchkiss were ap- 
pointed "to cull the clapboards and 
the shingles for the meeting house." 
The building of the meeting house pro- 
gressed slowly. It was occupied in 
January, 1770, but it was not entirely 
finished until many years after that 
date. 

The steeple and bell wore added in 
1803. Now indeed the society had a 
church edifice in which a just pride 



178 BETHANY. 

could be taken. It was one of the 
larg-eat and finest in this section, Be- 
sides the galleries and choir Ictft it con- 
tained nearly thirty large square pews, 
arranged in two central "square 
bodies" and in a row about the sides, 
with the exception of spaces reserved 
for the pulpit and the three entrances. 
The pulpit was on the western side of 
the meeting- house and was reached by 
stairs. The whole was surmounted by 
a huge green sounding board. Beneath 
the pulpit was a long seat on which 
the deacons sat facing the people. 
The tall white spire rising high o'er 
the verdant hills of Bethany was one 
of the most conspicuous objects that 
met the sailor's eye as he entered New 
Haven harbor. 

In 1783 the parishes of Amity and 
Bethany united their efforts in seeking 
to secure town privileges, but they 
could not agree as to the location of 
the town house or public hall. After 
Bethany had made many proposals, 
none of which were accepted by Amity, 
it was decided to petition the general 
assembly for the incorporation of 
Bethany as a separate town, but, how- 
ever, the two parishes finally effected 
an agreement and they were incor- 
porated as one town, called Woodbride, 
in honor of Rev. Benjamin Wood- 
bridge, the first pastor. Similar at- 
tempts were made in 1802 and 1804 to 
have the parish incorporated as a 
town, and at last successfully in 1832. 

Mr. Hawley became too infirm at 
about sixty to be able to preach con- 
stantly especially during the winter 
months. But he continued to officiate 
more or less until 1803, the year before 
his death. He was then a trembling 
old man with white locks. He was 
often led into the churcTi and assisted 
into the pulpit, and was sometimes able 
to deliver only a part of his discourse. 
He was tall and very spare and his 
appearance made a deep impression on 
the young. 

Mr. Hawley died in July, 1804, after 



a pastorate of over forty years. His 
grave is in the old cemetery, marked 
by a tombstone which was erected at 
the centennial celebration of the church 
in 1863. 

When Mr. Hawley's he^-lth became so 
poor that he could no longer officiate. 
Rev. Isaac Jones was called by the 
church as a colleague pastor. He was 
born in New Haven Feb. 16, 1775, and 
was graduated from Yale in 1792 at 
the age of seventeen. He was or- 
dained June 6, 1804, and the sermon 
which he preached soon after as his 
inaugural address was printed. Mr. 
Jones's short pastorate was a stormy 
one. Dissatisfaction with him arose 
among some of the members, and fac- 
tions were formed which led to one of 
the greatest ecclesiastical wars that 
the rural towns of Connecticut have 
ever known. Matters reached such a 
magnitude that Mr. Jones was tried 
before the association, and his connec- 
tion with that body was severed. He 
was later restored upon a public con- 
fession assented to before a three- 
days' session of the two consociations 
of New Haven county, but in 1807 the 
New Haven West association declared 
that Mr. Jones had not comp.ied with 
the advice of the previous session and 
he was therefore without ministerial 
authority. His farewell sermon was 
preached in the hall of the Wheeler 
house in 1808. His text was from Jere- 
miah, "Many pastors have destroyed 
my vineyard." Mr. Jones became an 
Episcopalion and many of his congre- 
gation followed his example. He was 
the first rector of Christ church, Beth- 
any for two years. Most of his subse- 
quent life was spent in Litchfield 
where he died in 1850. 

The third pastor of this church was 
Nathaniel G. Huntington, of Rocky 
Hill, Connecticut. He was born in 
1785 and was graduated from Yale in 
1806. He came to Bethany in 1809 and 
was ordained and installed on Aug. 22 
of the following year. About two 



i8o 



BETHANY. 



years after his ordination Mr. Hunt- 
ington had a hemmorhage and during 
the remainder of his pastorate his 
health was poor. As it continued to 
grow worse he asked to be dismissed 
in 1823. He remained in Bethany for 
a year or two, then he moved to Ox- 
ford and finally to Orange where he 
died Feb. 10, 1848. 

The old meeting-house on the hill 
was torn down early in 1831 and the 
green was sold. 

The present house of worship was 
built during the summer and much of 
the material of the old meeting house 
was incorporated into the new, so that 
much of this present structure dates 
from 1769. The dedication services oc- 
curred Oct. 13, 1831. Dr. Nathaniel 
Taylor, for years a noted professor in 
Yale Divinity school, was then the 
acting pastor of this church. He 
preached the dedication sermon from 
the text, "This is none other than the 
House of G-od and this is the Gate of 
Heaven." 

It has come to us a heritage from 
the past, a good example of colonial 
architecture. Origina.ly there was a 
porch with two large pillars in front, 
as in the Woodbridge church which 
was built a year later than this. Also 
the old pews, with doors, were replaced 
many years ago. Some of the doors 
are preserved in the wainscot of the 
choir loft. 

The bell of the old meeting house 
was placed in the steeple in 1803. One 
Saturday evening some young men 
turned it bottom-up and filled it with 
water. Their plan Involved a shower- 



bath for the sexton when he rang the 
bell the next morning, but the night 
was so cold that it froze the water 
and caused the bell to crack. It was 
used for many years after that event, 
but it had a "dingle" in its voice. It 
was replaced in 1851 by the fine old 
bell which now calls the people to 
worship. 

Since the time of Nathaniel Hunt- 
ington many ministers have served 
this church. Some of the important 
•pastorates, because of length or in- 
fluence, were those of E. W. Robinson, 
S. C. Brace, D. M. Elwood and C. S. 
MacFarland. Mr. Brace was editor of 
the North American Review before he 
became pastor here. It was largely 
due to his efforts that the centennial 
was observed fifty years ago. He died 
in Philadelphia in 1897. It was in that 
year that C. S. MacFarland was or- 
dained in this little church. He re- 
mained here three years. Dr. Mac- 
Farland has risen high in the minis- 
terial ranks as an author and a 
preacher. He is at present executive 
secretary of the federal council of 
churches. Absence on the Pacific 
coast prevents him from being present 
today. 

Thus have we traced the principal 
vicissitudes of this part of the church 
of Christ down the stream of time for 
one hundred and fifty years. At times 
ever since the incorporation the storm 
and whirlwind have passed over it, 
but by the kindness of Providence it 
still stands firm among its sister 
churches of the community. 



THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 



I8l 




THE BETHANY CONGREGATIONAL "mEETINGHOUSE,'" 
1769— 183 I. 



l82 



BETHANY 




NATHAN CLARK. 

Nathan Clark born in what is now Bethany, 
in 1824. was a son of Isaac and trrandson of Isaac, 
both of whom were natives of Miiford, Conn. 
Isaac Clark, the father of Nathan, married 
Esther, daughter of Deacon Joseph Treat, 
descended from Robert Treat, who was lieu- 
tenant-governor of the State of Connecticut 17 
years, and governor 15 years. Isaac Clark held 
the office of selectman of the tcwn of Wood- 
bridge for eight years in succession. Nathan 
Clark was elected town clerk and treasurer of 
the town of Bethany in 1855. and held those 
offices continuously until 1881. He was elected 
probate judge in 18*52, and held the office con- 
tinuously until his death in 1893. He was also 
postmaster of Bethany for eight years, from 
1855 to 1863. He was a member of the Congrega- 
tional Society and was a member of the So- 
ciety's Commiitee for nearly thirty years. 



DEA. THEOPHILUS SMITH. 
Deacon Theophilus Smith came to Bethany 
while young and by the energy and uprightness 
of his character won prominence and influence 
in the community. He was received a mem- 
ber of the church by letter from Miiford 
Januar.N 7th 1827. He taught a High School, 
the first in town, and later kept a store and an 
inn near the junction of the turnpike and Center 
street, and by reason of the great amount of 
travel over the turnpike was well patronized. 
It was the custom when the pi^lpit was 
supplied by ministers from New Haven for 
them to come out to his Inn and be his guests 
over Sunday. He was a deacon of the church 
for many years. He was very earnest and effi- 
cient in church matters and was thoroughly 
conscientious in all affairs of his business life. 
He died February 21st. 1849, aged 83 years. 
He married first. Elizabeth Beectier. daughter 
of Lysias Beecher, who died March 30. 1830. aged 
31. He married second. Eliza L. Beecher. 
who died September 27, 1884. His daughter, 
Elizabeth B,, was the wile of Rev. Edmund 
Pock. 



THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 




JUSTUS PECK. 

Justus Peck was one of the Society's Com- 
mittee for many years and acted as fund agent 
until his death. Feb. 3. 1885. His son. Harry P. 
Peck, has acted as chairman of the fund com- 
mittee and fund agent since 1885. 



Rev. Joel S. Ives, Registrar of the Congrega- 
tional House. Hartford, is a grandson of Richard 
Stone of Bethany whose name appears as holder 
of one of the pews in in the Congregational 
church in 1800. 



Rev. John Thomas Andrew, son of Jonathan 
Andrew, was born in Bethany July 19. 1811. 
graduated from Yale College in 1^39, and at Yale 
Seminary in 184i, and taught in Cornwall 1842- 
1844. being prevented from continuing in the 
ministrv by throat difficulties. He married Sept. 
9. 1839. Jane Ann. daughter of Caleb Jones oi 
Cornwall, whom he outlived, and died there 
Mays, 1887, aged 76. 



DEACON CLARK HOTCHKISS. 
Clark Hotchkiss, born Mar. 25. 1803, son of 
Isaac Hotchkiss. was a deacon of the church for 
more than sixty years. He married Caroline, 
daughter of Chillon Sperry, and they had two 
sons and six daughters. Isaac, who married 
Mary Reid and lived in Michigan; Martha, 
married Lyman Gaylord, lived in Wisconsin; 
Mary, m. a Mr. Hicock; Sarah, died in iniancy; 
Fanny E., 2d wife of Adrian Rosha; Julia, m. 
Thomas Higgins of Ansonia; Anna. m. Adrian 
Rosha. died in 1^73; and Arthur, m. Julia P. 
Sperry. Deacon Hotchkiss lived in the house 
now occupied by his grandson, Dea. Clifton D. 
Rosha. His parents lived in a house which 
stood a little further south. Dea. Hotchkiss 
died July 3, 1890, aged 87 years. 



1 84 



BETHANY 




EDWIN N. CLARK. 

Edwin N. Clark succeeded his father as town 
clerk and town treasurer and tilled these offlces 
for thirty years, and that of judtre of iirobate 
for sixteen years, and was clerk of the Conyrre- 
irational church 35 years, from 1877 to 1912. when 
he removed to Seymour. 



Deacon Thomas Horsfall was a member of the 
Society's Committee for a number of years and 
was a member of the committee of arrange- 
ments for the 150th anniversary celebration. 



HAKKY FRENCH PECK. 



Harry French Peck, chairman of the Church 
Fund Commiitee. has repeatedly been elected to 
a number of the most responsible offlces in the 
tfift of his townsmen. He bus been Selectman. 
Assessor, member of the Board of Relief, and 
Town Auditor, and represented the town in the 
General Assembly in 189.') and was Ihen the first 
and only Republican eltcted to the General 
Assembly since the town was incorj)orated, 
sixlytwo years before, receiving over two votes 
to his opponent's one. Durinsr his early years 
he followed farmintr on his father's farm, one ot 
the best in the town of Bethany, and attended to 
the reiiairing of farming utensils, and finding 
this work one to which he was t)eculiarly 
adapted he built a shop near his house and con- 
tracted for repairs to farming implements, 
besides shoeiijg horses and oxen, work so much 
in demand in a farming community, an I so 
favorably known did his shoeing become that 
frequently oxen were sent as much as len miles 
over the hills to his shop. He owns a farm of 
28.5 acres, sending therefrom large (luantities of 
farm produce to the city. 



THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 




DWIGHT L. HUMISTON. 

Dwight L. Humiston is a native of Hamden 
but has been a resident of Bethany for many 
years. He has been one of the selectmen of the 
town for a number of years and in the fall of 
1896 his fellow townsmen showed their apprecia- 
tion of his sterling qualities by electinj; him to 
represent the town in the General Assembly of 
1897. which he did with credit to himself and to 
the satisfaction of his constituents. 



REV. JOHN W. WRIGHT. 
Pastor in 1913. 



Errata. 

Pa?e 147. instead of Rev. Philip J. Phelps 
should be Rev. Philip J. Ralph. 

Page 174, for Charles Hoadley read Charles C, 
Hoadiey. 

Page 178. 1st column. 17th line, after objects, 
add— "on the distant horizon." 



i86 



BETHANY. 




ELSON E. BEECHER. 
Chairman Anniversary Committee. 



WALLACE I). HUMISTON. 
Historian of the Church, 



150TH ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEES. 



GENERAL. 
Elson K. Beecher. Rev. John W. Wright. 

Dea. Thomas Horstall. Pea. Clifton Hosha. 
Nelson J. Peck. Wallace D. Humiston. 

ENTERTAINMENT. 
Mrs. May Pecl<. Miss Alice Richards. 

Mrs. Dwinht Johnson. Mrs. Chas. Booth. 



Miss Ruth Carrin^ton. 
Mrs. Elson E. Beecher. 
Mrs. Carrie Johnson. 



Mrs. James Metrin. 
Mrs. Kate Lacy. 
Mrs. Abner Warner. 

Mrs. Harriet StahnUe. 
MUSIC. 
Mrs. Harry PecU. Mrs. Elsie Johnson. 

Miss Frances Booth. 
FINANCE. 
Dea. niifton Rnsha. Mr. Abner Warner. 
Mr. Ralph Carrin^ton. Mr. Harry V. Peck. 



PUBLICITY. 
W D. Humiston. Mrs. Fannie Rosha. 

Mr. Harry F. Peck. Elson E. Beecher. 

DECORATION. 
Mrs Elsie Johnson. Mrs. Elson E. Beecher. 
Howard Doolittle. E ton Dooliltle. 

Elsie Russell. Clarke Johnson. 

Alice Payne. 



SOCIETY'S COMMITTEE. 

Clifton D. Rosha. E. N. Clark. 

Nelson J. Peck. 

FUND COMMITTKE. 
Harry F. Peck. Clifton D. Rosha. 

Nelson J. Peck. 



THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 



187 




DEA. CLIFTON D. ROSHA. 



NELSON J. PECK, 
Of the Anniversary Committee. 




RESIDENCE OF H. F. PECK. 



i83 



BETHANY 




^••»«M« - ^ • r ^' 



^^MMF^.'^^^rr^-^f^^ 



THE FREDERICK WARNER HOUSE, SOUTH BETHANY. 



REV. ISRAEL PERKINS WARREN, D. D. 



One of the clerKyinen whose name is recalled 
in connection with the recent anniversary cele- 
bration was Israel Perkins Warren, D. D.. who 
was horn in Bethany Apr. 8. 1814. in a house 
which stood near the old red schoolhouse of the 
Gale District. His boyhood was spent with his 
trrar.dfather. Israel Perkins, who Kave him a 
liberal education at Yale, where he was grad- 
uated in 1838. and frona Yale Divinity school, 
class of 1842. 

He served as pastor of the churches in Granby, 
Mt. Carmel and Plymouth successively. The re- 
mainder of his life was spent in editorial work 



From 1856 to 1859 he was correspondieg secre- 
tary of the Seamen's Friend Society. New York 
City. Later he was secretars and editor of the 
American Trust Society of Boston, and then 
until his death he published and edited the 
Christian Mirror of Portland. Maine. Dr. War- 
ren was the author of many books, amonn them, 
■Chaunciey Judd." and "The Three Jud>fes." 
Not long before his death he made a visit to 
Bethany and he wrote a very interesting account 
of his stay. He died in Portland. Maine, Oct. 8. 
1=92. 



LBD14 



jO a 



